YOUNGSTERS from an Evesham school got the opportunity to play at being civil engineers for the day in a project aimed to inspire the next generation to choose a career in the sector.
More than 30 year six pupils from the De Montfort School (TDMS) worked under supervision to construct a 15 metre long model of a cable-stayed bridge, similar in design to the iconic Second Severn Crossing – officially named as the Prince of Wales Bridge.
The hands-on session on Friday, October 4 was organised by two of Worcestershire County Council’s key engineering contractors, Griffiths and Jacobs as part of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) day.
Year six pupils from De Montfort School in Evesham got to construct a bridge as part of a STEM day. s
Using plywood and aluminium sections, the pupils not only built the bridge but also put it to the ultimate test by walking across the structure themselves to prove its strength and durability.
Charlotte Walden, assistant headteacher at De Montfort School, said: “It was an unforgettable learning experience. Days like this ignite a passion in our pupils and give them a real-world understanding of engineering. We’re confident this programme will inspire some of our future engineers.”
The interactive session allowed the young people to learn about construction, health and safety as well as develop key skills such as problem solving and team working.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
He said: “This project is a fantastic way to collaborate with our schools and inspire the next generation of civil engineers.
“It’s essential for young people to understand how engineering shapes the world around them and the positive impact it has on society.”
According to the Institution of Civil Engineers, there will be an estimated gap of 600,000 workers in the sector by 2025. As a consequence the UK economy is being held back by this lack of skills which tallies with only 0.4 per cent of young people studying an engineering-related degree at university.
Griffiths’ public liaison officer, Kate Border Hamilton, added: “We were proud to support this school activity at TDMS as part of our ongoing social value commitments in Worcestershire.
“By investing in the education and development of young people, we aim to empower the pupils, enrich our communities, and create a positive and lasting impact.”
Visit worcestershire.gov.uk/majorprojects to learn more about the major infrastructure projects Worcestershire County Council is currently undertaking.
