The team behind a successful programme designed to inspire young people to consider careers in engineering has secured a top award.
Sellafield Ltd’s Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cleator Moor has been named STEM Ambassador of the year at the Engineering and Manufacturing Awards 2024 – an accolade that celebrates organisations or individuals who have done the most to champion engineering careers and inspiring young people to consider entering the profession.
During 2023, the centre’s social impact team organised and oversaw the delivery of 2,263 hours of STEM work experience and 1,122 hours of outreach support through open days, curriculum support and school visits.
Claire O’Connor, socio-economic lead, said: “The whole team here is absolutely thrilled to have won this award, particularly as we knew that the shortlist of teams and professionals in the category was so strong. Everyone from the work control office to all the bays, they are all crucial to this programme. It’s a real team effort.
“This is where it starts, the experiences you have at school shape your attitude and expertise for the future. We want to play our part in laying the foundation for the next generation of engineers and it’s wonderful to have everyone’s efforts recognised.
“Putting together a programme of this size and scale takes a lot of work but everyone is passionate about reaching out to children and young people to give them an insight into the world of engineering and to show how important STEM subjects are in school to lead to these career opportunities.”
The programme offers an array of unique and innovative activities and challenges suitable for a diverse range of age groups, abilities and backgrounds and showcases the wide-range of careers available at Sellafield.
Young people can take part in both practical and technology-based tasks as part of a full and engaging calendar of events held throughout the year.
From drone simulations, 3D printing and circuit making to code breaking and bridge building along with demonstrations of the world leading innovations and engineering work which occurs on site every day, the activities on offer are varied.
Overall, the STEM programme is helping to support thriving and cohesive communities across Cumbria, developing resilient economies across local communities and building and maintaining a robust pipeline of talent.
