THE National Railway Museum’s Future Engineers will return this half term with a new programme of free activities and shows to inspire the next generation of young engineers.

Among headline acts appearing for the first time at the York museum will be ‘StrongWomen Science’ – an explosive mix of science and circus performances.

After juggling liquid, balancing chairs and eating fire, ‘StrongWomen’ Aoife Raleigh, an engineer, and Maria Corcoran, an environmental scientist, will reveal the science behind their tricks with pre-bookable circus skills workshops. Also headlining for the first time, will be ‘Bonkers Science’ – where inventor and teacher, Will Caro, conducts live experiments with everything from leaf blowers and wheelie chairs to helicopters and parachutes.

The theme for 2019 is ‘forces’ and families visiting Future Engineers can also enjoy pop-up science shows and activities such as the chance to make a parachute. Future Engineers begins on Saturday, October 26. Rachael Bevan, learning and events manager, said: “Future Engineers is all about having fun through events and activities while learning that engineering is relevant to everyone. Budding engineers can investigate how to solve problems."

“As well as welcoming some exciting new performers this year, we have strong representation from the rail industry. It is vitally important that we work with industry to promote engineering in an accessible way to break down misconceptions and outdated stereotypes that can act as barriers to developing future engineering careers.”

More than 50 engineers from the rail industry including sponsors Angel Trains, Eversholt Rail, Network Rail and Porterbrook will be attending to help promote engineering. Half of all engineers taking part will be women, to highlight a continuing need for greater representation in the industry.

Visitors will be able to take part in the game show ‘Engineer Like Me’ as well as finding out more about the latest innovation and technology from the UK’s biggest rail projects.

For the first time in 2020, Future Engineers will return to the National Railway Museum in May half term as well as October. The May event will be themed around ‘Making’ and will focus on curious contraptions and their inventors. In 2020 Future Engineers will also take place at other Science Museum Group sites in Manchester and Shildon.

Since the first Future Engineers launched in 2016, the programme has reached an estimated 100,000 young people and families. Last year the event was an important part of the Government’s ‘Year of Engineering’ which aimed to develop future engineering talent.

According to EngineeringUK’s research, the country needs 203,000 skilled recruits each year until 2024, yet only one third of parents know what an engineer does.

Kevin Tribley, CEO at Angel Trains said: “We are incredibly proud to continue sponsoring the hugely successful Future Engineers 2019 event. Angel Trains is dedicated to educating and empowering young people to pursue a career in engineering. STEM development programmes, such as Future Engineers, are vital to ensure the future prosperity of the rail industry and the UK as a whole. We are committed to encouraging future talent to engage with STEM development, which will drive innovation in the sector for years to come.”

Mary Kenny, CEO at Eversholt Rail said: “Since 2016, we have sponsored the National Railway Museum’s Future Engineers programme. It is vital that the railway industry works together to attract the younger generation into the industry and these events provide an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the opportunities and benefits of being an engineer in the UK rail sector.”

Elizabeth Kelk, Project Leader for Network Rail, said: “Encouraging and inspiring young people from all backgrounds to explore the world of engineering and the opportunities on offer is hugely important for the future of the rail industry. Future Engineers is a really fun and engaging way for young people to get involved in engineering and we are proud to support it.”

The National Railway Museum is open 10am to 6pm, admission and most Future Engineers activities are free, although some activities must be booked in advance – see here for details: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/forces-future-engineers.