England-based charity Seafarers UK and Sea Cadets charity launched the next phase of their joint Marine Engineering Pathway schools project, aiming to engage young people in schools and Sea Cadets units across the UK in learning more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and to think about a future in marine engineering.
In this phase, the project aims to reach 37,500 school children across the UK over the next three years – 12,500 a year- over three years with STEM-linked taster sessions and workshops in marine engineering.
Since the launch of this project in 2016, Seafarers UK and its co-sponsor and delivery partner, Sea Cadets, have engaged with thousands of young people, giving them a practical taste of marine engineering and the sector.
This has been done through the roll-out of six custom-built Mobile Learning Units (‘Pods’), based regionally across the UK.
The project aims to increase access across the country to the heavy and expensive equipment which is essential for teaching marine engineering to young people.
Each ‘Pod’ holds a sectioned engine, a working engine and an array of other marine engineering equipment.
After three years the initial phase of the project has shown excellent results, with more than 18,000 school students having so far taken part,
…Seafarers UK said.
The evidence from teachers and students is that the project has made a real difference in inspiring young people about Marine Engineering and their GCSE choices.
An external evaluation report of the project by Directory of Social Change revealed:
- an increase from 26% to 36% of students planning to study engineering;
- 72% of pupils reporting that they ‘would like to do more marine engineering activities’ in future;
- over two-thirds (67%) of pupils saying they have been inspired to learn more about STEM subjects, and
- almost half (49%) of students reporting that they would ‘consider a career in marine engineering’ following the workshop.
A three year extension to the project has now been agreed.
This second phase will also involve the launch of a special marine engineering package for older students and cadets, helping to inspire further the next generation of young UK engineers.
We will now be seeking further support from trusts, individuals and corporates to help ensure that this innovative partnership programme successfully engages with the increased number of school children we are aiming to reach over the coming three years,
…said Nigel Shattock, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Seafarers UK.
The increase in STEM subjects take-up by those school children that have experienced our workshops in the pilot phase is staggering, so we’re really excited to work with Seafarers UK to continue achieving such impact at this critical time for students,
…added Paul Wilkinson, Director of Outreach at Sea Cadets.
