Encouraging the next generation of engineers.
At Mabey Hire, we know how varied, fascinating and rewarding a career in engineering can be. With engineering expertise at the heart of who we are, we have a responsibility to secure the future of the engineering profession – and our business – by encouraging the next generation of engineers.
of children who completed the programme would consider a career in engineering
weeks for school children to gain an introduction to eight different engineering activities
children per class means that the learning can be fun, hands-on and highly interactive
We wondered what inspired our engineers to go into the profession. Some followed in their parents’ footsteps, others were introduced to it in a fun way, but a common theme was that they were introduced to it at an early age.
So we developed a 16-week programme for school children aged 10-13 with fun at its core. We piloted it in 2017 and had fantastic feedback from school children and teachers alike. And we saw a transformation take place before our eyes - at the end of the programme we had a number of budding engineers, with 95 per cent of the children who took part saying they would now consider a career in engineering.
It’s a 16 week programme that gives school children the opportunity to learn basic engineering principles in a hands-on, fun way.
In 90 minute after-school clubs, our team of STEM Ambassadors help children aged 10-13 improve their awareness and perceptions of the engineering and construction sectors. Using LEGO® Education materials and our bespoke ‘mission mat’, students explore six core topics which challenge their mathematical, problem solving and strategic thinking skills. The lessons cover eight different engineering activities including beam balance, power car, tower crane and bridges.
Students get to experience the future of technology in construction by visiting some of the world’s most iconic structures – such as the Sydney Opera House or Eiffel Tower – in a LEGO® VR World, seeking out statistics and facts as they aim to complete tasks.
Hear from the children themselves.
We spoke to some of the schoolchildren at the start of the programme to see whether you really can inspire a generation of engineers in just 16 weeks.
I loved it. All of the builds were very educational and fun and the Mabey Hire team were very helpful, supportive and kind. I am now considering a career in engineering.
I love it. It’s made maths so much more fun and easy to learn. I actually enjoy maths now!
Both the staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the programme. The students gained valuable experience and skills. They grew in confidence as the programme went on and really valued the input of all staff from Mabey Hire.
Mabey Hire has created one of the most innovative and engaging school initiatives I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a great many over 20 years! I believe there is great potential to develop the concept further and ensure greater reach.
Last year we secured support from leading construction businesses Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Osborne. Together with our programme partners, we rolled out the programme to five schools in 2018-19. Classes of 12 children in schools in Glasgow, Wigan, Manchester, Rugby and Southampton took part, introducing civil engineering principles to a new generation who might otherwise never have experienced the discipline.
Last year we secured support from leading construction businesses Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Osborne. Together with our programme partners, we rolled out the programme to five schools in 2018-19. Classes of 12 children in schools in Glasgow, Wigan, Manchester, Rugby and Southampton took part, introducing civil engineering principles to a new generation who might otherwise never have experienced the discipline.