Going to engineering events and on trips is a very important part of your engineering education. Events and visits can really help to bring the world of engineering to life, but more importantly, it gives you the chance to meet some of the key organisations and people within the industry.
Events can be a good stepping stone to kicking off your career. The organisations and people attending these events are actively looking for ways of helping young engineers because they know that you’re the future. Meeting and talking to these people could lead to all kinds of rewards.
You could even use them as a case study for a piece of course work, talk about work experience opportunities or even find out how you might be able to get a job with them one day.
Below is a list of some of the events that you can get involved in.
Engineering Your Future (EYF)
EYF is a one-day careers event that gives students an opportunity to participate in interesting and interactive sessions working with real engineers. Professionals from some of the best known engineering companies such as BT, Virgin Atlantic, BP and JCB (amongst others) have attended the event to gives students an insight into the different branches of engineering and how they work together.
At EYF events across the country, students take part in fun, hands-on tasks and activities throughout the course of the day to get a practical feel for engineering processes, as well as getting careers advice from a range of industries.
If you are a student aged 17 - 18 years old who is studying Science, Mathematics or Engineering (or similar subjects) at GNVQ, Diploma or A-level, you are eligible to attend an EYF careers day. Teachers are also welcome to attend accompanying their students.
If you would like to learn more about EYF events near you, visit the Engineering Your Future website.
IMechE Greenpower
Schools either design and build their own cars or use customised kits to compete in regional endurance heats using standard motors and batteries. The final race at Goodwood lasts 4 hours and is an exciting event, with up to 100 finalists competing. Visit http://www.greenpower.co.ukfor more details.
Leader's Award
The Leaders Awards are open to 5-19 year old students who act as 'Leaders for Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths (STEM)' in their schools. Their role involves interviewing professionals who work directly in these industries and use this knowledge to motivate other pupils. Pupils who apply for these special STEM Leaders Awards have the opportunity to win a range of unique prizes and industry experiences.
The awards are are organised by Primary Engineer and are open to all students
aged between 5 and 19 years old.
Entries for IMechE category are now closed. Winners will be announced September 2011. More detailed information about each category can be found at the Leaders Award website
http://www.leadersaward.com