IChemE launches virtual work experience for 14 to 18-year-olds

Youngsters can experience life as a process design engineer and carry out a real-world task

YOU CAN’T beat a real-time experience of engineering in the workplace, but from a health and safety perspective there is a limit to what any industry can offer a youngster. And that’s not even considering accessibility, with many young people, especially those in rural locations, a long distance from a STEM industry.

Focusing on the urgent need to address STEM careers provision, Engineering UK’s latest report¹ talks of “innovative solutions” to these work experience challenges, including “meaningful” virtual programmes.

One such solution is IChemE’s virtual work experience programmme for young people aged 14 to 18: Engineering a Sustainable World. Launched on 30 September, it offers 8hr+ of guided learning, allowing youngsters to explore what it’s like to be a chemical engineer working in different industries.

How we did it

IChemE partnered with Springpod to create the programme and has received huge support from working engineers to develop the content, with over 50 engineers submitting case studies or videos, being filmed for the webinars, or taking part as Ambassadors.

The virtual experience

Designed to be easily accessible via laptop or mobile phone, the programme is divided into seven modules, including sections on how to network and the development of key skills.

IChemE members are featured in the modules on myth busting, the energy sector, healthcare, food and drink, and the water industry. School and college students can explore common misconceptions, take part in quizzes and activities, discover the breadth of careers in different industries via “Meet the Engineer” webinars and learn more about a range of engineering projects such as the Thames Tideway Tunnel or advances in sustainable aviation fuel.