500 students attend GEMX Interactive Engineering Roadshow in Derry

GEMX held an Interactive Engineering Roadshow recently as part of Engineering Week and the event was hosted by St Mary’s College in Derry, bringing together students and industry from across the North West. 

The event was designed to be very different from a typical careers fair. Instead of simply hearing about career opportunities, pupils had the chance to take part in hands-on activities and speak directly with people working in the engineering and manufacturing sector.

Over 500 Year 11 pupils from 14 schools across Derry and Donegal attended, giving them the opportunity to try practical activities and meet industry professionals outside the classroom environment. The Mayor, Councillor Ruaridh McHugh attended the first session, highlighting the importance of encouraging young people to explore careers in this sector.

A key feature of the event was “The Big Bridge” challenge, kindly sponsored by Foyle Port. This activity allowed pupils to design and build a large-scale structure, giving them experience of real-world challenges involving design, construction, testing and teamwork.

Mr Ian Luney, Chief Executive of Foyle Port said “Our sponsorship of the Big Bridge challenge reflects our core value of Building for the Future. At the Port we are committed to engaging with local schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of engineers”. The roadshow featured 24 manufacturing and engineering companies and training providers from across the North West, each delivering interactive activities. Companies were encouraged to bring apprentices and younger employees, allowing students to speak with people closer to their own age who are already working in the industry.

READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: Foyle Port and GEMX join forces to inspire next generation of engineers

Participating organisations included Fleming Agri-Products, FAST Technologies, AE Global, NWRC XR Hub, FastHouse, Niche Drinks, Foyle Port, NWRC Industry 4.0 Centre, Vertiv, Foyle RoboClub, 21 Training, GESpares, NWRC Careers Academy, Terex, DuPont, Seagate Technology, Hunter Apparel Solutions, Nuprint, Fleming Engineering, Seating Matters, WELDITZ and CAFRE.

Through a range of interactive challenges and demonstrations, students explored areas including robotics, AI, engineering design, welding, problem-solving, soldering, manufacturing and construction, helping them understand the many career opportunities available in the region’s thriving engineering sector.

The event aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators while highlighting the strong links between local industry, education and future careers.

Joanne Sweeney, Project Director of GEMX, said: “The enthusiasm and commitment shown by our industry partners made this a truly inspiring event for the students. By bringing companies and young people together in a hands-on environment, we are helping showcase the exciting engineering and manufacturing careers available right here in the North West and encouraging the next generation to see what’s possible.”

This event was possible due to on-going sponsorship of GEMX activities by the James Kane Foundation, Derry City & Strabane District Council and The Royal Academy of Engineering. The event also formed part of the recent Lifelong Learning Festival as delivered by the North West Learning City Region.