IMechE and Physics Partners announce new partnership to inspire future engineers
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Physics Partners, a charity dedicated to improving young people's life chances through high-quality physics education.
Physics is at the heart of engineering, underpinning advances in areas such as clean energy, healthcare, manufacturing and emerging technologies. Yet with an ongoing shortage of specialist physics teachers across the UK, many students are missing out on the inspiring classroom experiences that help them see where physics – and engineering – can take them.
Physics Partners supports teachers and technicians throughout their careers, helping to strengthen subject knowledge, build confidence and improve practical teaching. Alongside this work, the charity delivers pupil-facing events that introduce students to the real-world applications of physics and the exciting careers it can unlock.
Through this new partnership, IMechE members will play a key role in bringing engineering to life for students by sharing their experiences, career journeys and passion for the profession.
Jelena Gacesa, Education Outreach and Safeguarding Lead at IMechE, said:
"We're excited to partner with Physics Partners to inspire the next generation of engineers. By connecting students with IMechE members and bringing engineering to life through real-world experiences, we'll spark curiosity, build confidence and raise aspirations—showing that engineering is a path where young people can play a role in shaping the future."
Matt Hateley, Trustee for Physics Partners and IMechE member, said:
"Physics opens the door to some of the most exciting careers in engineering, science and technology. However, young people need access to inspiring teaching and role models to understand the opportunities available to them and see where physics can take them. We are delighted to be working with IMechE to create opportunities for members to share their passion for engineering and inspire the next generation."
Volunteer to inspire the next generation
As part of the partnership, IMechE members are invited to volunteer at Physics Partners events across England, helping students make the connection between what they learn in the classroom and the engineering challenges being tackled every day.
Whether you're an early-career engineer or an experienced professional, your story could inspire a young person to pursue a future in engineering.
Girls in Physics Days
These events encourage girls aged 14–15 to explore futures in physics, engineering and related industries by hearing directly from women working across the sector
Volunteers will:
- Deliver a 25-minute presentation (slides provided or supported
- Take part in a 45-minute panel discussion and Q&A alongside other professionals.)
Study Days
Study Days are designed for Year 12 students studying A-level Physics, giving them the opportunity to explore physics and engineering beyond the curriculum.
Volunteers will:
- Deliver a 25-minute presentation.
- Join a 45-minute panel discussion and Q&A.
Presentations can focus on your career journey, current role, research, an area of engineering you're passionate about, or an engaging application of physics.
Upcoming opportunities
Study Day
King Edward's School, Birmingham
Wednesday 5 November
Study Day
Manchester
TBC
9 or 11 November
Girls in Physics Day
Bolton School, Manchester
Tuesday 10 November
Girls in Physics Day
University of Birmingham, Birmingham
Wednesday 13 January
Study Day
Simon Langton Girls' School, Kent
Wednesday 10 February
Girls in Physics Day
Simon Langton Girls' School, Kent
Thursday 11 February
Girls in Physics Day
Royal Grammar School, Newcastle
Late June (date to be confirmed)
Get involved
To find out more visit:
https://physicspartners.com/
If you'd like to volunteer at one of these events, please register your interest on
education@imeche.org.
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Building Future STEM Skills with Industrial Cadets
Thursday 10 September | 12:00pm–1:00pm
Discover how Industrial Cadets, a nationally recognised programme delivered by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), is inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Designed for young people aged 9–21, the Industrial Cadets programme provides valuable opportunities to engage with STEM through real-world experiences. Participants develop employability skills, tackle hands-on project challenges, and benefit from professional mentoring while gaining insight into future career pathways.
As a supporter of EDT's work, IMechE is pleased to invite members and STEM Ambassadors to learn more about the programme and its impact. Join this webinar to explore how Industrial Cadets helps bridge the gap between education and industry, and discover how you, your organisation, or your company can get involved in nurturing tomorrow's engineering talent.
Whether you're already supporting young people through STEM outreach or looking for new ways to make an impact, this session will show how you can help develop the engineering talent of the future.
Register today and find out how you can support the next generation of engineers.
Building future STEM skills with Industrial Cadets.
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Skills England Expert Network
Skills England is establishing an Expert Network to bring together employers, training providers, unions, regional partners and regulators who can contribute their knowledge and expertise to inform its work on skills policy, occupational standards and workforce development across England. Members will volunteer their time to take part in time-limited occupational groups and insight groups, helping to develop or update occupational standards, assessment plans, and provide evidence on sectoral, regional and cross-sector skills challenges. Skills England is looking for individuals who can demonstrate recognised expertise in an occupation, industry sector, technical education, or regional skills needs, and who are willing to share practical insights to help shape skills priorities and decision-making at both regional and national levels.
For more information and to register your interest, please visit the website here. Please do also let us know if you have elected to sign up through ESSB@imeche.org
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Education & Skills Strategy Board (ESSB) Representative Volunteer Opportunities
View details on our volunteering opportunities page.
New Bitesize Training Video
STEM Volunteering: Worried about bad behaviour in schools?
Thinking about volunteering in schools but worried about how you’ll deal with challenging behaviour? You’re not alone!
Take a few minutes to watch, and feel more confident about managing behaviour when volunteering in schools.
This video forms part of IMechE's new collection of bitesize training resources, designed to support members in delivering impactful education outreach activities.
By joining IMechE's Education Programme and accessing our training resources, you can play an important role in supporting the Institution's mission of Improving the world through engineering.
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IMechE’s 2026/2027 Virtual Work Experience Programme Launches
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers' 206-2027 Virtual Work Experience Programme is now open to students in Years 9–13!
This engaging programme provides a valuable insight into the engineering profession and highlights the vital role mechanical engineers play in tackling some of the world's biggest challenges. Students will discover what mechanical engineers do, the skills they need, and the exciting career opportunities available within the profession.
For further information and to watch the programme trailer, visit the
Mechanical Engineering Virtual Work Experience page.
Primary Engineer’s regional 'If you were an engineer, what would you do?'
Leaders Award Competition public exhibitions and awards events have now wrapped up for this academic year.
From May to July, we travelled across the UK to celebrate the brilliant pupils who took part in our Competition, recognising their creativity, problem-solving and passion for making the world better through engineering.
It was fantastic to mark these achievements alongside proud families, dedicated teachers and inspiring industry professionals. A huge thank you to all IMechE members who joined us and supported our regional awards and exhibitions and all of our other events throughout the year.
Official photos from the awards and exhibitions have now been posted on our Facebook page, @Primary Engineer UK, ready for you to view, like and share.
Please feel free to share the photos with colleagues and download your favourites. If you post them on social media, don’t forget to tag us and use #EngineersInTheMaking.
Thank you again for your enthusiasm, time and support. Your involvement helps pupils see engineering as creative, practical and full of possibility.
What’s next? We are now getting ready for the new academic year and have a range of flexible engineer engagement opportunities available, including both school-facing and non-school-facing activities.
Volunteering can also support your continuing professional development, chartership requirements and your organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility objectives.
Interested in getting involved? Self-register here and our dedicated Engineer Relationship Team will be in touch:
If you are already registered, look out for updates in our monthly 'Engineer Things' newsletter or contact Engineers@Primaryengineer.com for more information.
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New KS2 Friction Resources from IMechE Tribology Group
IMechE Tribology Group has launched a new set of free KS2 teaching resources designed to help primary school pupils explore the fascinating world of friction through practical, hands-on investigations. The resources support the Forces topic within the primary science curriculum and introduce pupils to the engineering principles behind how surfaces interact and influence movement.
Two engaging classroom activities are available:
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Slippery Sled – pupils investigate how different surfaces and lubricants affect the movement of a sled, encouraging experimentation, teamwork and scientific enquiry.
View video on YouTube
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Shuffleboard – pupils explore how friction affects the distance travelled by a sliding puck, developing their understanding of forces through measurement, prediction and analysis.
View video on YouTube
Each activity includes a classroom presentation, pupil worksheet, teacher notes and an accompanying video, providing everything needed to deliver an engaging STEM session. The resources have been developed by tribology engineers and educators to inspire
curiosity, promote problem-solving skills and showcase the real-world importance of engineering.