Pioneering Sheffield scheme engineers exciting career paths

A pioneering UK scheme to encourage more young people into Britain's engineering industry, is being trialled at Sheffield Hallam University.

Bright and ambitious A-level students from King Edward VII School in Sheffield, are being given a unique opportunity to further their potential whilst also discovering the exciting career possibilities in engineering.

The students work with Sheffield Hallam's top engineering facilities and equipment, and receive expert tuition in Physics, Design and Technology and Chemistry at the University for three days of the week as part of the Post-16 Engineering project.

The students study their Maths A-level at King Edwards VII School.

Sheffield Hallam is the first UK University to be involved in the scheme, which began in September, 2006.

The experience on the project gives participating students a distinct advantage over their peers if they choose to study engineering at the University.

Sue Forder, project manager and chartered engineer at the University, said: "The Post 16 Engineering project shows the students the relevance and value of the subjects they are studying to advancing our society. The engineering industry is rapidly changing to match consumer demands, and requires employees with the passion and skills to take it forward. Through interactive education young people can be inspired to become employees and founders of engineering industries and explore innovative ways of using engineering. Sheffield Hallam prides itself on allowing driven people to maximise their potential and to improve their employment opportunities. These A-level students were chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in the subject, and are being given a chance to excel."

The Post-16 Engineering project has been developed and established by Sheffield City Council's Children and Young People's Directorate (CYPD) and is funded by a number of organisations including the Government, Aim Higher, The Gatsby Foundation and the Learning and Skills Council.

Alistair Evans, aged 16, studied his GCSEs at Birley College. He explained why he had applied to join the project: "I want to be an electrical engineer and I am enjoying the variety of working in different learning environments and also visiting companies."

The students will be taught by tutors that include, Tim Lewis, Professor of design technology education. Tim is a national figure and driving force behind the discipline and regularly works with the Government and professional advisory bodies.

Michael Lewis, King Edwards VII headteacher, said: "I am delighted to see this collaboration between Sheffield's Children and Young People's Directorate, King Edwards VII and Sheffield Hallam University, which will give these highly motivated students the opportunity of a fast track entry into a high-tech engineering future."

Gary Drabble from Sheffield CYPD explained: "This project has been set up to encourage students to choose a career in engineering where they will have an impact on the development of future technological and scientific innovation".