Overview of the WEP
The Welsh Engineering Project had a number of strands.
Primary
The F1 Challenge was undertaken in 40 primary schools across Wales. All but 2 schools were in Convergence Areas.
The Challenge involves pupils designing and making scaled F1 cars using sophisticated, industry standard software. Their CAD drawings are used to manufacture the cars using CNC machines in manufacturing centres strategically placed within Wales. The activity introduces pupils to the process of digital engineering and manufacturing and has been endorsed by the Welsh Automotive Forum as a means of developing an understanding and interest in modern engineering.
KS3
Engineering Education Scheme in Wales (EESW) consultants and engineers visit schools to introduce a practical, engineering based, and problem-solving project. The KS3 cohort undertake the activity in technology lessons for 6 weeks. The engineer makes an interim visit to help pupils and discuss their solutions to the challenge.
Thirty schools were targeted, mainly in socially deprived and rural areas, with an average of 120 pupils per cohort undertaking the activity. The materials used were non-consumable and can be reused allowing subsequent cohorts to benefit from the initial investment in resources and training.
Extending EESW activities to rural areas and non-participating schools.
The EESW engineering experience for sixth-formers requires deep employer engagement with every school / college team. There are many areas in Wales where the setup costs of the project deter the involvement of local industry which is restricted to SMEs and Micro industries. Funding from HEFCW was used to remove this barrier to participation.
Meeting for Engineers, EESW members and HE engineering departments
A 24 hour conference/meeting for the EESW consultants, engineers, and staff in HE engineering departments allows participants to discuss a common approach to developing strategies to encourage more students into HE engineering courses and to examine ways of improving retention rates. This provides a unique opportunity to bring together the major players in Wales to discuss ways of improving the numbers of students taking engineering course at HE level and to share ideas on addressing the issues surrounding this.
Attracting girls into engineering
The EESW scheme already attracts many girls into engineering courses in HE. In order to further increase the involvement of girls in the profession, a pro-active programme was developed to inform girls of the many and varied routes available to them within engineering. This was achieved through arranging visits for girls to PDR to look at prosthetics engineering, Swansea University medical engineering department, Magstim and others involved in new and innovative engineering fields particularly related to the care sectors.
Engineering exhibitions/conferences
Two high profile conference/exhibitions, one in the north and one in the south. These feature talks from engineers and experts working in the digital design and manufacturing sector. There are also be displays of state-of the-art hardware and software with advice on qualifications available that provide progression routes for this sector of engineering. The exhibition/conferences are open to both teachers and, KS4 and sixth form students.
