IChemE inspires tomorrow’s engineers at on-site extravaganza

On 14 November, IChemE partnered with Engineering UK to deliver a unique showcase at its UK headquarters as part of Tomorrow's Engineers Week. The Big Bang on Location saw 300 young people aged 10-18 from local schools and colleges engage with an inspiring group of engineers from employers and universities as chemical and process engineering careers were showcased.

The event provided young people with an opportunity to find out more about studying chemical engineering and the wide range of job roles available, with attendees able to try their hand at some real-life engineering challenges. Sectors including water, pharma, food and drink and energy were represented by a range of employers including: Anglian Water, Britvic, MWH, The PM Group, RWE, Veolia, Xodus, the Francis Crick Institute, the Operational Research Society, the University of Nottingham, Swansea University and Teesside University.

Jo Cox, Head of Young People's and Student Engagement at IChemE summed up the event: “This was a first for the IChemE, to have a STEM careers fair dedicated to just chemical and process engineering. The range of activities and demonstrations and the engagement of all the young people who were present really shines a light on the wealth of opportunities that this career route offers. I am hugely grateful to all the exhibitors who attended, the undergraduate students who came along to help the young people engage and interact – and, of course, all of the staff who made this day possible.

Dr Rachel Bibby, Director of Member Experience and Professional Learning also shared her thoughts: “I was delighted to see such a diverse range of young people engaging with employers and universities that showcase the incredible breadth and depth of opportunities in the chemical engineering sector. A huge thanks to all of our employer and academic partners who came along to create this fantastic event.”

One of the exhibitors, Nikhil Mehta, graduate process engineer, PM Group explained why he volunteered. “I like volunteering, helping with kids, and seeing the impact that we have on inspiring the next generation.”

Positive feedback shared by teachers highlighted how engaged and inspired the children were, and many are already securing their interest in the hope the event runs again next year.

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 30,000 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.