Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick (BBK) volunteers have helped to inspire the next generation of nuclear workers at a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) event.
Patrick Connolly, Emily Jones, Jack Stockdale, and Nathan Lucock took part in a two-day engagement event at Whitehaven Academy with 400 primary school pupils aged six to nine.
The event, organised by Cumbria Primary Business Partnership, aimed to ignite early interest in STEM careers, through hands-on learning and innovative activities.
Interactive workshops were designed to captivate young minds. The BBK team led an introduction to magnetism, where they acted as a magnet, attracting or repelling co-hosts to demonstrate magnetic properties. Children were split into groups to explore the science of magnets.
One group tested the magnetic properties of various materials, while the other learned about electro-magnetism and experimented with triggering magnetic reactions.
Armed with worksheets, the students documented their findings, honing both their curiosity and scientific inquiry skills.
The workshops emphasised practical learning, and gave the children a chance to see science in action and discover that STEM can be a fun and rewarding field.
Lasting Impression
The event not only inspired the young participants, but also left a lasting impression on the BBK volunteers. Apprentices Emily and Jack excelled, using the opportunity to develop leadership skills and boost their confidence.
Patrick praised the event as a ‘STEM baptism of fire’ and highlighted the collaborative spirit. He encouraged more colleagues to join future events.
The BBK volunteers said:
“This initiative strengthens ties between local businesses and the community, and offers pupils a glimpse into potential career paths.
“The children’s enthusiasm, and the team’s eagerness to participate, also signal a bright future for this collaboration.
“With such efforts, more young people may realise their passion for STEM, and it can open doors to exciting career opportunities and strengthen the local workforce.”