Future engineers explore opportunities at IChemE's DiscoverChemEngLIVE showcase
13th November 2026
Almost 300 students from 15 schools and colleges across Rugby, Coventry, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire attended DiscoverChemEngLIVE at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) headquarters in Rugby on 12 November.
Held during Tomorrow's Engineers Week, the interactive careers event connected young people aged 11-18 with engineers, employers and university representatives, helping them explore career pathways and understand how engineering tackles real-world challenges.
Through hands-on activities and engineering challenges, students gained practical experience of chemical engineering in action, broadening career aspirations, strengthening links between education and industry, and helping employers inspire the next generation of engineering talent.
Engaging with employers, universities and apprenticeship providers
Students engaged with employers including Severn Trent Water, Rolls-Royce, Carlsberg Britvic and AtkinsRéalis, gaining first-hand insight into careers across water, energy, manufacturing, food and drink, and consultancy. The University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham and Aston University, alongside CATCH Apprentices, showcased multiple routes into engineering careers.
Remembering IChemE’s first female member
Among the special guests attending the event were John and Kathryn Derrick, the son and daughter-in-law of Hilda Derrick, who is believed to have been IChemE’s first female member when she joined the Institution in 1942. Their presence provided a fitting connection between IChemE’s history and DiscoverChemEngLIVE’s focus on inspiring and diversifying the next generation of chemical engineers.
Dr Jo Badge, Head of Young People's and Student Engagement at IChemE, said: “DiscoverChemEngLIVE continues to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the breadth of life and career choices available through choosing to study or work in chemical engineering. It was wonderful to see so many young people actively engaging with exhibitors, taking part in activities and discovering the many ways engineers contribute to creating a more sustainable future.
"Events like this play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about their education and career pathways, and we are incredibly grateful to the employers, universities, volunteers and IChemE members who gave their time and expertise to make the event such a success."
The event forms part of IChemE's wider commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers through our DiscoverChemEng portfolio which has reached tens of thousands of young people over the last 2 years.
Dr Rachel Bibby, Director of Member Experience and Knowledge at IChemE, added: "Seeing so many young people curious about engineering and keen to find out more was fantastic. Bringing students together with people from across industry, academia and work-based learning providers gives them the chance to see not only where chemical engineering can take them, but the contribution they could make to tackling the global grand challenges.
These events are only possible with generous support from our exhibitors and volunteers who help to create an engaging and memorable experience for everyone who attended. We hope the event has sparked curiosity and inspired future engineers."
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.