Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering welcomed by established skills crusader
1 min read
The Imagineering Foundation has welcomed the launch of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, which is to be awarded biennially to an individual or team for exceptional advances in engineering and is administered by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Imagineering, an independent education charity based in the Midlands, has been promoting engineering and technology to young people as a future career through fun and personal involvement for over a decade.
Its chairman, Bob Shanks, said: "This award will raise the profile of engineering, emphasising its importance to the UK's future and prove an inspiring aspiration for the next generation of engineers.
"The UK's economic future will depend on a supply of talented, able and motivated people able to join engineering and manufacturing professions at all levels."
Commenting on Government support at the launch, including from the Prime Minister, he added: "It is reassuring to hear that, at last, there is demonstrable Government and cross-party recognition that high skilled, high value manufacturing and engineering are central to developing the UK as a globally competitive economy in the future."
Imagineering was set up to address the enormous and expanding skills gap in engineering across all sectors and to encourage young people to consider engineering as a future career path.
Targeting 8-16 year olds, Imagineering successfully works in partnership with a number of international manufacturers, engineering organisations and education centres to inspire youngsters using a fun, hands-on approach, working alongside the National Curriculum, encouraging them to learn more about the exciting world of modern technology around them.
Every week, over 2,000 children around the country are enjoying activities in out-of-school Imagineering Clubs, many of which are run by engineers. Using simple tools to make working models, they are developing the necessary practical skills and creative thinking to provide them with a good grounding in the key elements of engineering and technology.
Over the last ten years, more than 500,000 people have also visited Imagineering Fairs and events, engaging in activities specially developed by some of the UK's leading manufacturers and educational establishments.
