Future Engineers Day

As part of our ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers, we invited 140 local school pupils and students to join us for our Future Engineers Day.

The youngsters, from Barrow, Dalton and Ulverston spent the day at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, where they took part in a range of hands-on tasks, spoke with BAE Systems employees and toured the giant Devonshire Dock Hall.

Run in association with the Barrow Engineering Project, and supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, it was the first day of its kind for BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, and proved to be a huge success. Managing Director, John Hudson, said of the event: “The day was all about inspiring young people and opening their eyes to all the exciting opportunities which engineering offers them.

“We’re working hard to recruit engineers, but it’s also important that we have one eye on the future, and days like these will hopefully help in our efforts to maintain the business’ long term engineering skills base.”

An eye-opening experience for all

The pupils and students, who came from Furness Academy, Walney, St Bernard’s, Dowdales, Ulverston Victoria High and Barrow Sixth Form College, tackled a host of engineering challenges. These included ‘Captivating Corn flour’ – where they learnt all about sheer thickening fluids; ‘Smart Muscle’ – which involved testing alloy metals; and ‘The Whole Package’, a task that demonstrated the creative side of engineering with thermo-chromatic heat changing paints.

Dominic Miller, 17, of Barrow Sixth Form College, explained what he got from the Future Engineers Day: “We’ve been using corn flour to see changes in density upon impact. It’s been really good fun. I didn’t realise there were so many aspects of engineering until I came here today. It’s definitely a career I am interested in taking forward.”

The day also included a tour of the Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH), where Artful and Audacious – the third and fourth submarines in the seven boat Astute class – are under construction. Later in the day BAE Systems employees spoke to the visitors about their role in the business, and the career opportunities available in engineering.

A success all round

The response, not only from the youngsters but also the BAE Systems employees who took part in the event, has been very positive.

BAE Systems’ Laura Porteous said of the day: “The event has given the students a real insight into engineering. Hopefully we can build on the success with the possibility of making it an annual event. Credit must be given to our employees and ambassadors who ensured the day ran smoothly – they have made today possible. Giving their time to support activities like this is the only way to inspire these young people into thinking about careers within the engineering field. ”