Big Bang at School Blueprint to reach more young people from all backgrounds in schools across the UK
EngineeringUK is partnering with The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) to expand the reach of its Big Bang at School Blueprint programme, where secondary schools can host their own exciting science and engineering days.
With a skills and labour shortage in the engineering and technology sector, and EngineeringUK and Royal Society research showing some girls are switching off from science, the partnership with RAFCT aims to support up to 47,000 young people to enjoy their own Big Bang at School day with amazing science and engineering activities, workshops and projects and spark a passion and curiosity for all things STEM.
The funding will enable Big Bang at School Blueprint, which aims to bring the same fun, excitement and interactive learning experience as The Big Bang Fair, held each year at the NEC, to the classroom to benefit 11 to 14 year-olds and bring to life science, engineering and technology careers through shows, workshops and activities.
RAFCT aims to inspire young people to consider careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and is powered by the proceeds of the Royal International Air Tattoo.Dr Kevin P Stenson, Director of RAFCT said, “The RAF Charitable Trust, powered by RIAT, is delighted to support EngineeringUK’s Big Bang School at School Blueprint programme. This new partnership, part of our aim to be able to support an annual National STEM programmes for 500,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years, represents a huge leap forward for us by enabling nearly 50,000 11 to 14-year-olds to be inspired to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology. This secondary school programme builds upon existing programmes we enable with primary schools.”
Bursaries for the Big Bang at School Blueprint are available for priority schools to help teachers host their own STEM project and workshops.
EngineeringUK Chief Executive, Dr Hilary Leevers said, “It’s fantastic to be partnering with the RAF Charitable Trust to help spread the reach of the Big Bang at School Blueprint. More young people from all backgrounds across the UK need to know about the exciting and impactful jobs to be had in science, technology and engineering. We greatly appreciate the support of the RAF Charitable Trust to help us make that happen through the Big Bang at School Blueprint - and we'll make sure children have some fun along the way!”.
This new partnership, part of our aim to be able to support an annual National STEM programmes for 500,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years, represents a huge leap forward for us by enabling nearly 50,000 11 to 14-year-olds to be inspired to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology. This secondary school programme builds upon existing programmes we enable with primary schools.
— Dr Kevin P Stenson, Director of RAFCT
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About EngineeringUK
EngineeringUK is a not-for-profit organisation that drives change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers. Our mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be inspired, informed and progress into engineering and technology.
We work closely with our Corporate Members and in partnership with hundreds of organisations. We lead collaborative efforts to improve the impact of all engineering and tech inspiration and careers activities for young people through Tomorrow’s Engineers and managing The Tomorrow’s Engineers Code.
We ignite a passion for STEM among young people from all backgrounds through EUK Education and our school engagement programmes such as The Big Bang. Our careers resources help teachers bring STEM to life through real-world engineering and tech stories via Neon.
Our research and evidence build insight into the current workforce and our future needs. And our evaluations build understanding of what really works to inspire and inform the next generation. We also advocate for policy development in STEM and careers education and workforce planning for engineering and tech.
