FROM tinkering with equipment used by Sir Bradley Wiggins to designing cars for Formula 1, students have been getting a unique taste of the world of science and engineering at a North-East university.

Sunderland University hosted the STEMNET (Science, Technology, Engineering and maths) event for youngsters to learn from experts in the science sector and showcase the opportunities in the industry for young people.

Held during National Science & Engineering Week for the second year running, the North-East event involved 15 schools from County Durham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Northumberland.

STEMNET is designed to enthuse students about their options for university and career choices by engaging with local and national employers, as well as academics.

From working with equipment used by Sir Bradley Wiggins to looking at cars competing at Silverstone, students were given a unique taste of the world they could carve out a profession in.

Delivered as a joint venture between STEMNET, Sunderland University, Newcastle College and RTC North Ltd, students took part in employer-led workshops across the four STEM disciplines, as well as demonstrations from the University from science, computing, engineering, sport and psychology disciplines.

Companies offering their expertise to the event included: Rolls Royce, Atom Hawk, ECTIB and Thornlighting as well as academic staff and students delivering sessions which included the Formula Student team competing on time performing a Formula 1 pit stop, psychology myths, and demonstrations of a LEGO mindstorm robot, the University's SimMan3G simulation and Xsens suit. The event ended with John Kilkoyne who appeared on the childrens television programme, Brainiac as the 'Man in the Shed', putting on a chemistry roadshow.

Evelyn Richardson, Business Development Manager at the University of Sunderland, said: "This is the second major event the University has hosted in conjunction with STEMNET and we hope it will inspire young people by showing them a whole host of careers.

"We are delighted with the participation in the event of 180 students, 15 schools and employers, and hope this will continue as an annual event at the University.

"STEMNET is important to everyone involved as we are bringing together students, employers and higher education, providing information on university courses that can help students achieve their career goals and giving employers the opportunity to showcase the various careers they have to offer."

Karen Routledge, Business Development Manager for Rolls Royce, said: "If they enjoy this, then the likelihood is they'll enjoy a career in engineering. We take on apprentices every year to come on board, it is a hugely growing industry in the North East and there is a lot of people out there we could eventually employ.

"This STEMNET event gives young people the opportunities to learn more about the industry, the training we offer at Rolls Royce and whether they would like to apply for our apprenticeships in future."

As well as workshops and special lecture sessions, the teachers were taken on a tour of the campus facilities, including the multi-million pound Sciences Complex which houses the latest teaching and learning facilities, including multi-disciplinary science laboratories, new facilities for proteomics, drug discovery, pharmacy and health sciences and a new integrated industry-standard analytical services lab and scientific imaging suite.

More Education News