The AMRC has collaborated with Primary Engineer, a national not for profit organisation aiming to bridge the gap between industry and education by developing engineering skills for teachers. The 14 schools involved from across the region will have access to the resources and training available at the AMRC to bring engineering to life in the classroom by helping pupils build model cars – from basic ‘apprentice level’ for early years to more advanced ‘engineer’ models for older pupils.
The AMRC Training Centre, part of the AMRC Group, will be the backdrop for a special event on November 16, when local school children and teachers will be invited into the centre, along with local councillors and dignitaries, to help launch the programme.
Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, said: “The AMRC is home to some of the brightest minds and best talent in engineering. It has a solid reputation for world-class advanced manufacturing research and development, which makes us the perfect partner to team up with Primary Engineer. This will give teachers the essential training and resources they need to raise the profile of engineering as a future career path for young people.
“Working in partnership with schools from across the City Region not only helps raise the aspirations of our children by putting engineering at the heart of their learning, it shows them the possibilities of what they can achieve. It also cements our commitment to developing and nurturing the ambitions of future engineers that are needed in order to grow our economy on a local, regional and global scale.” ‘
Daniel Mitchell, STEM leader at Dinnington Community Primary, said the school is thrilled to be involved in the scheme and to show children how they can shape the world of tomorrow as engineers. “The Sheffield City Region is an area that has a rich heritage of manufacturing and engineering and by working together with the AMRC, industry and Primary Engineer we as teachers can really capture the imaginations of young minds now in a fun and creative way and inspire the budding engineers of tomorrow.”
Dr Susan Scurlock, founder of Primary Engineer, said: “The AMRC is the perfect partner to work with, their cutting-edge technologies, and incredible training centre will inspire all who come into contact with it. We are very proud to partner with them to bring innovation and engineering skills into all the local schools.”