Hundreds of local school children turn out for inaugural STEMFEST event
15 July 2019
RS Components welcomed more than 1,300 people – including 500 local school children – when it held its STEMFEST event at its UK headquarters in Corby.
Attendees, from local primary and secondary schools were treated to a medley of technology workshops and activities. The event was supported by 150 RS STEM ambassadors giving 1,200 volunteer hours, who were joined by external ambassadors from companies including national Rail, Cummins and Nationwide. The RS Titan II truck was also present, which features some of the latest technology used in industry today.
STEMFEST is part of RS’ commitment to inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists, by raising awareness of STEM subjects in a dynamic and engaging way. STEMFEST is planned to feature in the RS annual calendar each year, providing an opportunity to showcase and demonstrate what a career in engineering and technology can offer.
Some of the technologies students and visitors were able to get their hands on included 3D printing, code robotics and DrillArt, while workshops on understanding the mind of hackers and how to design a web site offered further insight into the ever-growing technological world.
Laura Giddings, STEM Education Manager, RS Northern Europe, added: “We were absolutely thrilled that our very first STEMFEST was so well attended and received. Securing a pipeline of talent to safeguard our future infrastructure, by addressing the major skills shortage in engineering and lack of STEM subject’s uptake, is an urgent mission – particularly given the dwindling numbers of young people pursuing STEM subjects beyond GCSE.
“We are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of young people into STEM careers, and this latest initiative has strengthened that commitment and enabled us to further engage with tomorrow’s engineers.”
Since its launch in 2017, the Titan II truck has had more than 35,000 under 18’s on board. At events where Titan II has not been present, RS, together with its educational partners, has engaged with 40,000 young people through the delivery of workshops and support of STEM events throughout 2018.
The RS Components STEM Ambassador count is now at 150, from just 40 in April 2018, and RS’ STEM Impact report released this year highlighted a momentous shift in improving perceptions surrounding engineering: 51 per cent of 11-16 year-olds would now consider a career in engineering, 96 percent of teachers would recommend it as a career option to their pupils, and the 2015/2016 academic year saw a five per cent growth in engineering student applications at Higher Education level.
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