From Birdcage Walk

The latest in our ongoing series of updates about activities at the Institution.

Dear Member,

Every week as President brings new opportunities and sometimes new challenges.  Recently it has been more of the former, as I have been out and about and variously met with schoolchildren, teachers, graduates and Members and Fellows. 

First to Sunderland for the “Bring It On” event for schools and companies in the North, shared by many engineering institutions but with IMechE in the lead. Held in the appropriately named Beacon of Light building over two days, there were 1,200 9-10 year olds getting an early introduction to projects with mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering themes.  Interactive stalls kept the youngsters engaged and asking lots of questions. Experiencing the ‘buzz’ of excitement from the children was good evidence of the importance of catching them at an early age. The second day another 1,200 attended but this time in the 13-14 age range.

Then off to the Welbeck Defence 6th Form College where I met young scholars working through their A-Level years, whilst also being prepared for their potential roles as engineering military officers. Their course is heavily STEM-focused and, through links to IMechE, they were getting early information on the world of professional engineering. They were presented with IMechE certificates and the top two each awarded a small IMechE trophy.

Finally to the East Midlands Annual Awards Dinner at Trent Bridge. Another well-attended event where new Members and Fellows were celebrated.  It was another opportunity for me to hear and discuss the local initiatives taking place to encourage more volunteers to increase the links to schools and local companies

I can therefore report that the beating heart of our Institution is alive and well.  It was an uplifting experience to see the extent of our involvement in a wide range of education and learning initiatives. We mustn't forget that it is only through the voluntary efforts of our Members and Fellows that we can achieve this crucial part of our charitable purpose.  My congratulations and thanks to all of those of you engaging with young people encouraging them to come into engineering and potentially at some time into our Institution. If you aren’t already doing so, why not contact your Regional/ Divisional Chairman to do some volunteer work?

Tony Roche

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