At its new site in South Wales, engineering technologies company Renishaw will officially launch its Fabrication Development Centre (FDC), a unique educational resource for hands-on learning.
It aims to inspire young people and to encourage a pipeline of talent into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers, with schools or groups of young people able use the facility for free for lessons or workshops.
The FDC contains two classrooms, staffed by a qualified teacher and Renishaw’s STEM ambassadors, as well as being equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including 3D printers.
Opening on 28 March at the company’s Miskin facility in South Wales, Renishaw will also launch its education partnership with Bloodhound SSC – with Andy Green OBE, current holder of the World Land Speed Record and Bloodhound driver, opening the facility.
“With companies already struggling to recruit skilled candidates, it is important to get more young people interested in STEM subjects at GCSE and A-Level,” explained Renishaw education outreach manager Simon Biggs.
“Creating engaging educational experiences for pupils at a young age can be essential to their selection of the subject at degree or apprenticeship level.
“The Fabrication Development Centre not only gives pupils a chance to escape the classroom, but it also enables them to grasp the link between the school curriculum and industry.
“They can take part in motivating workshops that complement the exam specification and give them a better understanding of the career opportunities available to them in the future.”
Schools in the Bristol, Gloucestershire and South Wales areas can access an online booking form from the education outreach section of Renishaw’s website. Here, schools, pupils and teachers can also find more information on Renishaw’s work with young people and engineering careers advice.
