Babcock ignites pupils’ passion for STEM at Plymouth Festival of Engineering

Above: School children at Babcock Plymouth themed Festival of Engineering STEM event.
Courtesy Babcock

The action-packed two-day funfest, held in Foulston Park, Devonport, showcased the world of opportunities STEM careers can offer to pupils from across the Plymouth area.

The Festival of Engineering is Babcock’s national series of events aimed at raising awareness of STEM opportunities and careers. Led by Babcock graduates, the aim of the programme is to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce, including encouraging more women to consider engineering as a career and breaking down barriers where they exist. So far this year around 1,500 pupils have been engaged in the event.

The event was hosted in Plymouth during Armed Forces Week, a UK wide celebration held in honour of military personnel, where Babcock also deploy STEM ambassadors to Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe. With the specially curated local theme – Engineering Plymouth: our future stems from STEM – pupils explored the advanced technology that drives and supports modern defence, immersing themselves in activities across five zones: the Dockyard, the Sound, the City, the Tamar and Beyond.

Gareth Kenward, Early Careers Manager, Babcock said: “The Festival of Engineering underpins Babcock’s approach to attracting the next generation into STEM-based career paths, that many young people may not have considered before. This is the first year the event has gone national, engaging pupils across the country.

“It’s just one part of a much wider contribution we’re making to the local community and broader region, having already delivered STEM engagement activities to more than 2,000 young people in schools during the first quarter of this year.

Ernesettle Community School Headteacher Miss Olivia Bartlett said: “It’s incredibly inspiring to see our pupils light up with curiosity and confidence as they engage with real-world engineering challenges. This festival, brings STEM to life in a way that classrooms alone can’t – raising our children’s aspirations towards a future in science and engineering.”