A campaign to spark interest in STEM careers which saw pupils program a mini robot and quiz employers at a speed networking event has been described as “very inspiring” by school children.
MIRA Technology Institute (MTI) in Nuneaton recently hosted a series of engaging, hands-on activities, all designed to encourage the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.
One event, a speed networking event gave pupils a unique and fascinating insight into real-world engineering and technology roles. Around 80 pupils from six local schools interviewed employers about their careers, which varied from marketing to engineering technicians.
Industry professionals from a number of leading global brands, including HORIBA MIRA, Bosch Engineering, Volvo Cars UK and Cavendish Nuclear, took part in an engaging Q&A session giving pupils the opportunity to ask about the company, products or career paths.
Students described the speed networking event as a “wonderful opportunity” which demonstrated the “exciting” and “cool” jobs in STEM.
One said meeting the industry experts had “motivated me to work hard”, while another said: “‘They inspire me to work hard, never give up and be ambitious.” Students also praised the event for showcasing jobs they hadn’t heard of before, and exploring all career pathways including apprenticeships.
Industry professionals who took part commended students for being open-minded and inquisitive, saying the event was “a nice way to share experience and encourage the next generation”.
Another innovative activity, ‘MTI STEM taster sessions: Inspiring the engineers of the future’, gave pupils the opportunity to experience practical engineering workshops and learn about careers in this field.
The first challenge provided students with a crucial introduction to the engineering pathways and opportunities that are available to them in the local area. It also included an interactive activity where pupils worked in teams to program a mini robot to complete a series of tasks.
The session gave pupils a genuine taste of what work is available in engineering and technology at a world-class innovation campus, while showcasing career pathways and developing core engineering skills.
Another session, ‘Work Readiness – What Employers Really Want’ delivered by MTI partner HORIBA MIRA, was designed to prepare students for the realities of the modern workplace by developing key employability skills.
Pupils took part in a range of interactive activities which culminated in a practical challenge to build the highest free‑standing structure using a limited set of materials.
Due to the success of the MTI pilot taster sessions, they will be rolled out to schools in Leicestershire and Warwickshire from September.
Lisa Bingley, Operations Director at the MTI, said seeing the extent to which pupils engaged with industry professionals underscores why these outreach events are so valuable.
She said: “Events like this play a really important role in helping young people discover what’s possible in automotive, engineering and technology. Whether it sparks a new interest or builds on a passion they already have, giving students that exposure can make a real difference.
“The success of these events and seeing how they inspire students demonstrates how important it is that real-life experiences complement classroom learning.
“With the speed networking sessions, it was clear that students were engaged and genuinely interested in hearing about the experiences of the professionals who kindly donated their time. Nothing can replicate hearing directly from people who are actually doing these jobs and working in these industries.”
MTI, led by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College and its partners HORIBA MIRA, Coventry University, the University of Leicester, and Loughborough University, has developed a growing reputation as a regional skills hub at the forefront of engineering and advanced technologies, and is the recipient of a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for equipping thousands of students and professional engineers with specialist new skills in demand from the UK’s automotive sector through the MIRA Technology Institute.
Businesses interested in supporting future events or schools who want to hear about future taster sessions, which are due to be held from September onwards, can contact enquiries@mti.ac.uk.
Learn more at https://miratechnologyinstitute.co.uk/why-mti/.
