Published on 16/02/2023
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Aston University opens up the future of engineering and technology to local Year 12 pupils
  • Open day highlighted the future of engineering and technology to Year 12s
  • Interactive sessions held at Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology
  • Aston University scheme supports teenagers into technology, computer science, engineering, maths and the physical sciences degrees.

Aston University has held its latest event to open up the future of engineering and technology to Year 12 pupils.

It hosted a day of interactive sessions and talks at Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIOT) on 15 February.

The 35 local teenagers who attended the event are on an 18-month Aston University outreach programme called Pathway to Engineering and Technology (STEM) which provides support to those considering a degree in technology, computer science, engineering, maths and the physical sciences.

The day included talks from experts about their career paths, where engineering and technology skills can take a graduate, along with interactive robotics and coding workshops delivered by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology team.

Sarah Fullwood, pathways manager from Aston University, commented: “Our Pathway to Engineering and Technology offers access to a wide range of STEM experts to help secondary school students make important decisions about their future career paths.

“Year 12 is a time when young people have to make a lot of decisions which could affect their future. 

“We’re delighted to offer our programme to provide support throughout the university application process and their time at school or college.

“The University has recently received generous support from a variety of donors to help continue the delivery of the Pathway to Engineering and Technology (STEM) programme and we would like to thank them for their kind support.”

Newly opened GBSIOT houses the largest cyber physical manufacturing rigs in Europe. Its marketing and outreach manager, Faye Kent, said “It was great to support Aston University’s pathway programme, welcoming the cohort of year 12 students to the GBSIoT Hub for an exciting day. 

“Seeing the students getting hands on with some of our interactive STEM kit and working together to problem solve was inspiring. It was a great opportunity to showcase what can be achieved with collaboration and partnership, both in the session and the GBSIoT partnership as a whole.

“Working together with our partner institutions on events like these to inspire the next generation of engineers is at the heart of GBSIoT. Seeing how engaged the students were following the activities and a tour of the Cyber Rig made us excited for their future careers.”

The Pathway to Engineering and Technology (STEM) is offered as part of the University’s Pathway to the Professions widening participation programmes. The 18-month programme runs alongside pupils studying for their A Level or level 3 qualifications and offers opportunities such as subject taster days, science or maths A Level tutoring, and the chance to meet key professionals within their chosen sector. 

There are more details about engineering and physical sciences courses at Aston University at https://www.aston.ac.uk/eps
 

Notes to editors

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

In 2022 Aston University was ranked in the top 25 of the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk

 

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