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Tomorrow’s Engineers inspired by Engineering Event at CXK

 November 06 2015 | Kent & Medway | Views: 2154

40 young people from Towers School and Highworth Grammar School for Girls in Ashford benefited from a day of interactive sessions on careers within the engineering sector.

Hosted by CXK*, the pupils from Years 9 and 10 took part in four different activities, all designed to raise awareness of what engineering is and the different opportunities available within the sector. As part of the day, they heard a talk from two engineers at Balfour Beatty Rail on their experiences and also received a free employability skills check, using an online psychometric tool Carrus.
*(CXK is a charitable organisation delivering a range of services across Kent to supporting young people to maximise their potential particularly in education, employment and training spheres. www.cxk.org)

The event, which was organised in partnership with Kent & Medway STEM as part of the National Careers Service Inspiration Agenda, was aimed at supporting the information, advice and guidance (IAG) provision the schools provide their pupils, linked to ‘Tomorrows Engineers Week’ (2nd- 6th November) and sought to inspire the engineers of the future.

Commenting on their involvement Tsige Sherington, the Kent & Medway STEM Ambassadors Manager, said, “This is the first time that we have worked in partnership with CXK and we look forward to running many more events with them. The STEM subjects are vitally important for our economy and, by working with schools in this way, we can help bring these areas to life; ultimately ensuring a good supply of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians in the future.”

Greg Kotecha, an engineer at Balfour Beatty Rail, commented, “As a company which recruits locally, it’s important for us to be known and also identify potential talent for the future. Each time I do an event similar to this, I am always encouraged by the pupils’ enthusiasm for the subject. I love what I do and really enjoy giving something back.”

Katie O’Sullivan, Lean Engineering Manager for Balfour Beatty Services said, “If I have managed to inspire just one young woman who wants to be different, to go against the norm and challenge and influence the way the world works, then I have been a good role model today. And I hope one day that it will be the norm to see smart, intelligent women as engineers, because women have a lot to offer in this industry.”

Anna Pelham, a teacher at the Towers School, stated, “It was certainly interesting to see some depth into engineering. People often associate engineering with limited jobs, such as planes, buildings and trains. It’s great for the students to see how far it branches out and what it covers, certainly the endless opportunities that engineering offers. It was interesting for us teachers to learn more too in case the students have questions in the future.”

For further information contact Neil Lakeland, Director of Communications and Marketing, on 07866 781999 or neillakeland@cxk.org

www.cxk.org


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