Inspiring future engineers in Wales

MARCH saw IChemE’s third DiscoverChemEngLIVE event bring chemical and process engineering to life for around 200 school students and their teachers – this time in Wales.

Building on the success of two previous events at IChemE’s offices, the initiative headed to Swansea University/Prifysgol Abertawe, aligning with British Science Week and National Careers Week. Hosted by the university’s Department of Chemical Engineering, the event showcased the breadth of the profession and the opportunities it offers.

Industry turned out in force, with many organisations taking part in outreach for the first time. Contributors included Oriel Science, GW-SHIFT, Zulu Joint Integrity, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Tata Steel, AtkinsRéalis, Valero, Axium Process, Celtic Sea Power, Arup, BAE Systems, Wales & West Utilities and InSite Technical Services – all delivering hands-on activities and sharing real-world insights.

Students powered a Scalextric racetrack by cycling, tackled nuclear waste challenges, predicted chemical reactions, explored water purification and competed to design a foil boat capable of carrying the most coins – with the winning design floating an impressive 160 pennies. Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions even provided a hydrogen-powered taxi to transport IChemE deputy president Ollie Folayan to the event, while guided tours of Swansea’s pilot plant gave students a taste of engineering in practice.

Alongside the activities, students received careers guidance from Pembrokeshire College, including information on apprenticeships and routes into the profession. Swansea University undergraduates also shared their own experiences, helping students picture their future in engineering.

As one teacher put it: “It was a great experience. The students loved the interactive industry stands. It was great to have undergraduates and graduates chat with the pupils. Very inspiring.”

The Young People’s and Student Engagement Team are working on how to take DiscoverChemEngLIVE on the road across the UK. If you are interested in hosting a DiscoverChemEngLIVE day in your region, do get in touch with us via discoverchemeng@icheme.org