Institution news
Schools in the West Midlands will enjoy hands-on science and technology workshops thanks to a £3500 grant from the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The grant was awarded to Sutton Coldfield-based Procter Learning Technologies which specialises in running STEM workshops for young people from 5 to 25 years old.
The workshops, which include robotics and aerodynamics, aim to boost students’ confidence and encourage them to see the importance and practical application of engineering and science in the world around them.
Procter Learning Technologies is an outreach team founded by Simon and Lyn Procter, a chartered engineer and school teacher.
The Engineering Education Grant Scheme (EEGS), which is run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, aims to engage young people aged 5-19 in learning about engineering and to develop the professional skills of those involved in supporting Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning and careers awareness.
Lyn Procter, who runs the workshops, said:
“We were surprised and excited to learn we had been awarded the grant which will be a massive help for developing our computer based workshops.”
Peter Finegold, Head of Education and Skills at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said:
“These workshops are a fantastic example of the kind of projects the EEGS scheme aims to promote. The UK is facing a critical engineering skills shortage and showing young people how creative and exciting engineering can be is a key way of inspiring the engineers of tomorrow.”
David Lakin, Head of Education at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said:
“In order to tackle the engineering skills gap we need more graduates and apprentices to enter the profession, and this can only happen if more school-age children – girls as well as boys – are attracted to, and choose to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects. The IET is investing considerable resource in EEGS to support vital projects like these, which highlight the exciting, creative and rewarding world of engineering careers to young people.”
Organisations capable of developing and delivering UK-based educational activities are eligible to apply to the EEGS scheme.
There are two levels of funding available. Awards of up to £5000 are available for standard applications to the fund, and up-to-four awards of £15,000 are available each year.
Notes to Editors
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is one of the world’s largest engineering institutions with over 168,000 members in 150 countries.
The IET is working to engineer a better world by inspiring, informing and influencing our members, engineers and technicians, and all those who are touched by, or touch, the work of engineers. For more information visit www.theiet.org.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries. For more information www.imeche.org.
Press Office
Margaret-Anne Orgill, IMechE External Communications Manager Email: m_orgill@imeche.org