GAS engineering firm, Worcester Bosch have built a relationship with toy giants, LEGO to deliver an inspirational workshop aimed at encouraging the next generation of children to pursue a career in technology and engineering.
The FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival, hosted by Worcester Bosch, saw children from across the region gather to explore the importance of STEM topics (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) for the future of the economy.
The partnership addresses the need to combat the current skills gap in STEM as a report by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in December 2022 outlined a shortfall of more than 173,000 workers in the sector.
Currently the deficit of skilled workers in STEM industries is costing the economy £1.5bn per annum according to the IET report.
This report, endorsed by over 150 engineering leaders and celebrities, including, Major Tim Peake, Carol Vorderman MBE and will.i.am, has been the catalyst for Worcester Bosch’s intentions to help inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.
As part of the workshop, students from Perry Wood, St Georges Catholic Primary, Sychampton School, Upton Snodsbury and St Peters CofE Academy were welcomed at Worcester Bosch’s headquarters by CEO Carl Arntzen to explore a future shaped by STEM.
The theme of this year’s FIRST LEGO League is ‘SUPERPOWERED’ and focuses on introducing students to the idea of energy journeys and encourages them to explore their own ideas and solutions for the future.
The Lego project spans 110 countries and has already helped over 650,000 children through a guided, global robotics program to engage critical thinking, coding and design skills.
And Worcester Bosch have joined the project as they celebrate 125 years in business.
Carl Arntzen, Worcester Bosch CEO, commented, “As a business with strong routes in engineering, we at Worcester Bosch are acutely aware of the ever-present skills gap in the STEM industries.
“We are proud to partner with FIRST® LEGO® League and directly engage with young people of all ages in STEM.
“We are committed to inspire individuals into the field by dedicating time to sharing the knowledge and enthusiasm to help develop tomorrow’s engineers.”
David Lakin, head of education, safeguarding & education Policy at IET, said: “We are incredibly pleased to partner with Bosch to make this FIRST® LEGO® Explore Festival at Worcester Bosch a reality.
“Businesses such as theirs have shown how continued investment in STEM can impact local lives and are fundamental in driving participation in careers in relevant industries.
“There is no better way to hear how rewarding a career in the STEM industries can be than from those who have pursued it and we look forward to seeing how these young children develop for the future.”
