Companies open their doors to local school children for Engineering Open House Day
Children and parents are invited to visit over 50 events on Friday 3rd August 2018 for Engineering Open House Day, organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
This special event allows visitors to experience the world of engineering first-hand and to get an insight into the reality of the exciting careers on offer in this field.
It is well documented that the UK faces a nationwide skills shortage – in fact it’s estimated that we need to find nearly 2 million new engineers over the next decade.
By highlighting the important role that engineers play in everyday life, and the creativity and diversity of work in this sector, Engineering Open House Day connects directly with children to inspire and motivate them towards exploring careers in engineering and technology. It also equips and encourages parents to support their kids in fostering such ambitions.
Recent research from the IET found that the majority (93%) of parents claim to know what an engineer is yet when pressed further, less than a quarter feel very confident in describing what an engineer actually does (23%). In contrast, parents felt very comfortable with describing what a teacher (64%), nurse (62%) and police officer (60%) does as a profession.
And it’s not just traditional careers that they find easy to describe. In fact, more parents are very comfortable describing what a YouTuber does (26%) compared with what an engineer does (23%).
Last year’s Engineering Open House Day featured 39 separate events and saw more than 3,000 parents and children attend. 2018 is set to be bigger and engage with even more families.
Through its Engineering Open House Day, the Institution of Engineering and Technology seeks to inspire a new generation of engineering and technology enthusiasts. The day forms part of a wider campaign, Engineer a Better World, which aims to support parents and young people in finding out more about modern engineering.
And it couldn’t be more timely. 2018 has been designated the Year of Engineering. This government-led initiative aims to give thousands of young people inspiring experiences at partner businesses across the UK.
“With 2018 officially declared the Year of Engineering, there’s never been a better time to engage with and inspire children and parents to help them better understand how exciting and diverse a career in engineering can be,” said Nigel Fine, IET President. “Engineering Open House Day offers a unique opportunity to visit some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative brands and learn how engineering sits at the heart of many things we know and love.”
Local MPs have been invited to venues with three (Mike Wood MP - Dudley South; Neil Coyle MP - Bermondsey and Old Southwark and Melanie Onn MP - Great Grimsby) due to attend events in their constituencies
Minister for the Year of Engineering Nusrat Ghani said: “The Year of Engineering is all about showing young people from different backgrounds the opportunities a career in engineering offers, from good pay and benefits to job satisfaction and the chance to shape the world around us.
“That’s why it’s fantastic to see so many Year of Engineering partners across the UK opening their doors to families for the IET’s Engineering Open House Day. This summer we’re encouraging parents to get their children involved in The Holiday Makers, six weeks of engineering challenges and activities – and attending an Engineering Open House Day event is a great way to take part.
“I hope the events this Friday will inspire more organisations to open their doors throughout the year. By transforming perceptions of engineering, we can help ensure young people don’t miss out on what could be their dream job in a thriving sector.
