We're proud to have expanded our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programme with the addition of a new programme partner – Mace. The global consultancy and construction company becomes the latest contractor to partner with us and has just completed its first full 16-week programme at a primary school in Islington.
First piloted in 2017, our bespoke STEM programme is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, introducing primary and high school age students to engineering in a fun, engaging and hands-on way. This is done through the use of LEGO® Education materials and the incorporation of civil engineering projects, as well as introducing the students to interactive technology, including virtual reality (VR). The programme is delivered by STEM ambassadors in 90 minute after-school sessions, over a 16-week duration. Following the continued success of the programme, we looked to introduce partners from the industry into the programme to help further its outreach efforts, with contractor Mace now joining as the latest Programme Partner.
Recognising the ongoing skills shortage faced by the industry, our Programme Partners aid with further expanding the overall reach of the programme and engaging with even more local communities, helping to inspire more young people. New partner Mace recently completed its first full 16-week programme at Prior Weston Primary School, Islington. Beth Nagle, Assistant Sustainability Manager from Mace, spoke on this, saying: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Mabey Hire on its bespoke STEM programme, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers. Engaging with primary and secondary school students is the best way to show how exciting our sector is – after all, construction is the only industry where you get to build and maintain anything, from vital infrastructure like roads and railways, to the world’s most iconic structures.”
Andrew Gascoine, Digital Engineering Manager at Mabey Hire, and one of the initial developers of the programme, talked about the importance of early engagement, commenting: “Our STEM programme is so important in today’s world, with many young people not realising that engineering could be a realistic career path for them. At Mabey Hire, we’re really keen to change this perception and give young people the inspiration to give this fascinating sector a go.
“To properly achieve this, it’s key that we have the backing of relevant industry authorities. With Mace now joining as our latest Programme Partner, we’re excited to be able to deliver this programme to even more schools and introduce more young people to civil engineering and its possibilities.”
Featuring six different core engineering topics – levers, wheel and axle, gears, pulleys, pneumatics and structures – each challenging children’s problem solving and strategic thinking skills, the STEM programme encourages students to think like an engineer. We're always looking to further develop the programme, with the option of single-topic sessions also now available to schools, which can increase the overall scope of student engagement with larger class sizes.
