Engineering Masterclass

On my journey from graduate process engineer to engineering delivery director at United Utilities, I’ve been fortunate to work for a number of organisations with varied roles in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

I believe my graduate training was key to my career development, I learnt so much during that time and was greatly inspired by my colleagues. Now I want to do the same, supporting the next generation in becoming future leaders.

It’s vital to stay connected with young people, keeping them informed about the range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related opportunities available to them.

Last year, I was asked to sponsor a partnership with The Challenge Academy Trust, a multi-academy trust providing exciting and inclusive opportunities to schools in Warrington. Teachers and United Utilities’ engineers collaborated to develop a business engineering challenge which was then launched as a Masterclass.

The first Masterclass was a great success, eight teams took part over a 16 week period. Mentors from our engineering department offered support, guidance and advice to a diverse group of students. Over 45% of students said they were more interested in a STEM related career as a result of being involved. That for me is a real result.

The teachers align the challenge to the curriculum, which ensures our involvement and commitment to the challenge not only targets harder to reach communities encouraging interest in STEM opportunities, it also allows students to develop their skills in related subjects.

I am delighted to be able to make two significant announcements, firstly the latest Masterclass launched today. We welcomed students from across The Challenge Academy Trust to the United Utilities’ head office at Lingley Mere where they met their mentors and started to think about the challenge ahead.

Secondly, the Masterclass project has been shortlisted for STEM Project of the Year in the prestigious Educate Awards. The awards began in 2012 celebrating the excellence of schools in Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire, to be recognised in the shortlist is a fantastic accolade.

I’d like to wish the best of luck to everyone involved. Let the challenge begin!