CEA backs engineering programme

The UK’s Construction Equipment Association (CEA) will again work with educational organisation Primary Engineer to help promote engineering in schools.

Schools on the scheme will work on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) vehicle and fluid power engineering projects. It is part of a drive to inspire children to take up careers in engineering and to help address the widening skills gap. The catchment area includes Leicestershire and Coventry in the English Midlands and applies to primary and secondary schools.

The first CEA and Primary Engineer collaboration was in 2017. Children worked on their projects through the year following training sessions with the Primary Engineer teams. Judging took place during the Plantworx exhibition in June. Engineers from Caterpillar, JCB and Perkins volunteered as judges. Sponsor companies included AMI, Bomag, BSP Foundations, GKD, Gomaco, Datatag, Marubeni Komatsu, Nylacast, Point of Rental and TriMark.

CEA reported positive feedback from the schools involved saying that if it could be run annually many would automatically add it to the school curriculum. The initiative is part of the CEA Skills Council programme.

Chris Morris, JCB apprentice programme advisor, who attended the 2017 celebration event at Plantworx, said, “As we know, the UK is heavily short of engineers and Primary Engineer is doing a fantastic job in helping to promote engineering through school engagement, by setting tasks and importantly, making it enjoyable. It was an excellent achievement by all. Keep up the good work!”

Primary Engineer has been working with teachers to address the fundamental issue of a lack of engineers and the wider perception of engineering since 2005. It is a not-for-profit organisation instigated through seed-corn funding from the then Department of Trade and Industry in the UK. It has grown to deliver teacher training to more than 1,000 teachers a year, and has brought the programme in the classroom to more than 33,000 new students.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2018 CEA and Primary Engineer project. CEA welcomes the involvement of its members and of associated companies. It costs £750.00 to support teacher training and materials. Get more information from Louise Murphy, T: +44 7730 617258 or e-mail: [email protected]