Babcock’s Festival of Engineering inspires Scotland’s future talent

Above: Babcock Festival of Engineering.
Courtesy Babcock

Fresh from being named Scottish Engineering Company of the Year, coupled with one of its STEM ambassadors scooping Modern Apprentice of the year at the 2026 Scottish Engineering Awards, the two day event was designed to inspire the next generation of skilled employees, through fun-filled hands on activities, transforming Babcock’s Rosyth site into a hub of interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) challenges. 

Pupils moved through a series of engineering zones, tackling challenges including ship buoyancy, bridge building, robotics, communications and immersive virtual reality experiences linked to modern defence and advanced manufacturing.

FOE is part of Babcock’s national programme of STEM events, which is aimed at breaking down barriers to careers in engineering and technology wherever they are in the UK. Scotland plays a critical role in sectors such as defence, and advanced manufacturing which rely on a strong pipeline of future engineering talent.

The impact of events like Festival of Engineering is already being seen at Rosyth, with a number of apprentices joining Babcock after first engaging with the company through school visits, careers events or site tours while at college. These early experiences help young people understand what STEM based careers involve and the opportunities available. This year Babcock has recruited 100 apprentices at Rosyth building on a similar number joining the site in each of the past three years.

Delivered with the support of apprentices and graduates, the event was hosted in partnership with customers, further education establishments and industry partners, showcasing the breadth of engineering careers.
It is estimated that one in four job adverts in the UK relate to engineering, underscoring the sector’s demand with engineering and technology jobs predicted to grow faster than other industries across the UK to 2030.

Donna Sinnick, Chief Delivery Officer at Babcock said: “Scotland’s communities and economy depend on having the right skills in place for the future. By hosting events like the Festival of Engineering at Rosyth, we’re investing directly in local young people and giving them the opportunity to see where engineering can take them. 

“These hands on experiences help break down barriers, challenge preconceptions and show that STEM based subjects like engineering are exciting, accessible and rewarding and can make a real difference to communities across Scotland.”

Lt Ollie Oglethorpe, regional engagement officer, Royal Navy said: “Events like Babcock’s Festival of Engineering show young people that STEM is far more than classroom theory – it’s creativity, teamwork and real problem solving. The Royal Navy is supporting the day with hands on activities including a turbine blade building challenge, giving pupils a taste of how engineers turn ideas into something that can operate safely at sea. Inspiration like this helps build the skills Scotland’s future workforce will need.”
 
Babcock’s Festival of Engineering forms part of the company’s long term commitment to developing a diverse, inclusive and sustainable skills pipeline, ensuring engineering careers are open to people from all backgrounds.