Midland manufacturers aim to inspire next generation of engineers

MIDLAND manufacturers and universities are calling on parents, schools and businesses to help inspire talented young people become the next generation of engineers.
 
Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Severn Trent Water, Tata Consultancy, Warwick University and Aston University are among the organisations at this weekend’s Big Bang Fair, the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people in the UK.
 
The free event, which runs at the NEC until Sunday, aims to highlight the exciting possibilities that exist for young people with science, technology, engineering and maths backgrounds and the contribution they, with the right motivation, can make to the UK economy and to society in general.
 
Speaking at the launch of Big Bang Fair, Jonathan Garrett, CSR Director, Jaguar Land Rover said: “It is critical that we attract talented young people to become the next generation of engineers and technologists to support our ambitious growth plans. Big Bang is a great opportunity for us to showcase the excellent career opportunities at Jaguar Land Rover and we hope it will help us inspire even more young people.”
 
Jaguar Land Rover, lead sponsor of The Big Bang Fair, is running various hands-on activities at the NEC event, which include a fully immersive high tech demonstration explaining the company’s vehicle design process and future vision for driver/car connectivity.
 
Wouter Schuitemaker, Investment Director at Business Birmingham, said: “The region has always had a rich vein of engineering and scientific talent and excellence, and encouraging the next generation of young people is vital in order to maintain the excellent growth the sector has seen in recent years.”
 
The Big Bang Fair is one of the many highlights of Birmingham Year of Science 2014, a 12-month celebration of innovation and enterprise, which aims to showcase Birmingham as a UK science hub by inspiring the imaginations of the public.
 
Birmingham Year of Science 2014 (www.birminghamyearofscience2014.com) will see a wide range of activities and scientific events, ranging from conferences to state of the art shows and festivals, all aiming to inspire, engage and entertain visitors, students, businesses and academics alike.
 
Birmingham Year of Science 2014 highlights include:
•       Big Bang Fair (NEC, March 13-16)
•       Gadget Show Live (NEC, April 9-13)
•       The British Science Festival (September 2014)
•       The Skills Show 2014 (NEC, November 13-15)