Pupils from Rode Heath Primary School in Cheshire are laying the foundations for their future careers by attending a practical skills session hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West.
The youngsters, from the school’s Year 4 class, swapped books for bridge building at the event, which took place at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes.
ICE North West regularly hosts schools events to introduce Civil Engineering to pupils, and to demonstrate the skills required to pursue it as a career.
The session was held as part of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2018, which seeks to link up schools with employers and professional bodies to inspire more young people to consider a career in engineering.
The session involved an introduction to different types of bridges, included a focus on safety throughout construction, and ended with the class constructing a 13-metre bridge they can cross.
Emma Antrobus, Regional Director at ICE North West, said: “This was my first ICE North West bridge building event, and it was absolutely brilliant. They are held regularly both as regional and national events and are certainly a valuable experience.
“The pupils at Rode Heath were so engaged in the activity, and worked well together as a team. The school focusses on Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects, and works across the curriculum to develop a passion for the skills needed. Even at such a young age, these budding engineers are setting a great path for the future.
“I am in no doubt that some of the young people who participated will be joining the Institution of Civil Engineers themselves one day.”
Julie Wiskow, teacher and STEM ambassador at Rode Heath Primary School, said: “On behalf of Year 4, I’d like to say a huge thank you to ICE NW and the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre for hosting us to celebrate Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2018. This is just one of a series of activities that we undertake each year as part of our whole school ‘Think like an Engineer’ project“
“STEM subjects are incredibly important, and it is vital that pupils are introduced to the amazing feats of engineering that are all around us, and what they may be able to achieve when they grow up.”
