With
record numbers of young people choosing engineering and technology, it’s the perfect time to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Hundreds of IMechE volunteers have been doing just that this summer, helping develop the pipeline of talent for the future of the engineering profession.
Taking STEM to thousands of young people
The Big Bang Fair at Birmingham’s NEC is the UK’s largest STEM event, attracting more than 20,000 11- to 14-year-olds. The
Midlands Region team inspired attendees with demonstrations of jet engines, wind turbines and a Stirling engine, while offering advice on pathways and careers in engineering.
The nearby
Western Region team was also busy this summer. Their volunteers helped visitors to the Cheltenham Science Festival gain insight into the circular economy.
“We demonstrated that engineers can make a difference to our planet with creative design and problem solving,” said Dr Ramin Amali, Western Region’s Education Officer.
Setting a challenge
The
Yorkshire Area team were delighted to be part of STEMFest in Leeds and Hull this summer. Working with about 400 Key Stage 2 pupils, members challenged student teams to build model tower cranes in just 45 minutes, with a prize for the longest jib. “The kids and the teachers loved it!” said Desmond Luxton, Yorkshire Region’s Education Officer.
In the adjacent
North East Region, teenagers raced self-built electric cars at the Greenpower Goblins Challenge. For the 16 teams, it was the culmination of months of hard work.
Dawn Ross, STEM Hub Liaison Coordinator for Yorkshire, Humber and North East England said: “We are so proud our STEM Ambassadors can support events like this.”
Engineering the future
South Eastern Region were a significant presence at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026, in the Future Lab innovation showcase. Working with the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, IMechE volunteers introduced over 6000 visitors to how systems are designed, tested, and qualified for use in extreme space environments.
They were also able to offer practical guidance on apprenticeships, university routes and early STEM engagement.
In
Scotland, Shaping Scotland’s STEM Future conference gathered leaders from industry, academia and the engineering community to explore how the country can build a more diverse, future-focused STEM workforce.
This event, sponsored by IMechE, also saw the launch of the Aberdeen cluster of the Women’s Engineering Society.
The
Wales Region has also been promoting STEM within the educational community. Initiatives included an outreach workshop for Swansea University and a talk by South Wales Regional Education Officer, Sarah-Jane Potts, for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity Impact Programme.
Scouting for science
Every four years, over 6000 Scouts and Guides from around the world meet at the Cheshire Showground for the Chamboree. This August,
Merseyside and North Wales Region volunteers supported the STEM experience section, introducing young people to the engineering behind gliders and wind turbines.
“It was wonderful to see our volunteers inspire and engage the next generation,” said Sean Young, a Project Engineer with Stadler Rail Service.
IMechE’s incredible volunteers
This, and every other IMechE outreach activity that inspires an interest in STEM, is only possible due to the dedication and support of our volunteers.
They are key in developing the future pipeline of engineering talent and helping the Institution achieve its mission to maximise the positive impact of engineering on society.
Will you promote STEM in the East Midlands?
Each of IMechE’s 16 regions is supported by a Regional Education Officer. They play a vital role in creating meaningful impact through our educational programmes.
We have a vacancy in the East Midlands.
Could you be the Region’s Education Officer? If you are based there, passionate about education and ready to make a difference, please send an expression of interest to
education@imeche.org by 30 September 2026.