Run by EngineeringUK, the Big Bang Fair is designed to stimulate a passion for STEM and showcase career opportunities in these sectors. Taking place from Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 June 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham, The Fair will welcome students aged 10 to 13 from across the UK.
Employers from a range of STEM sectors will be present to meet young attendees and demonstrate how challenging and fulfilling a career in engineering and tech can be.
As well as meeting STEM professionals, attendees can attend exciting live shows and inspiring career panels.
Hands-on activities will include a driving challenge that puts powerful robots through a series of challenges, piloting a submarine, discovering how different materials are used in sports and space exploration and much more.
In a statement, Phillip McShane, associate director - Big Bang Programme at EngineeringUK, said: “We’re on a mission to drive change so that more young people choose engineering and technology careers.
“We know that taking part in STEM outreach activities from an early age plays a vital role in changing the perceptions and attitudes students feel towards careers in the sector.
“The Big Bang Fair is a brilliant opportunity for employers and professional engineering institutions to help ignite a passion for STEM and inspire young people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in their sectors.”
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Almost 16,000 young people attended The Fair in 2023, along with 2,300 teachers.
A student who attended commented: “I really enjoyed the variety of activities that have been present during The Big Bang Fair. They have all opened up a wider insight into the industry of engineering and how much passion people have for their careers.”
Also taking place at The Fair will be the awards ceremony for the popular Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition. Winners will be announced, including the crowning of the prestigious Big Bang UK Young Engineer, UK Young Scientist and UK Young Technologist of the Year, all supported by Siemens.
The competition is free to enter and open to young people in the UK aged 11 to 18 in state-funded education, who are home-educated, or who enter as part of a community group. The competition remains open for entries until 27 March.
EngineeringUK said tickets for The Big Bang Fair always book up quickly, so schools and home educators are advised to book their free tickets early.
Email partnerships@engineeringuk.com for information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities for The Big Bang Fair 2024 and The Big Bang Competition.
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