Engineering in action: WMG Work Experience Week 2026
Wednesday 8 July 2026
Engineering in action: WMG Work Experience Week 2026
Over 30 secondary school students immersed themselves in the world of engineering at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, last week as part of WMG Outreach’sLink opens in a new window flagship Work Experience Week initiative.
Delivered in partnership with the University’s Widening Participation teamLink opens in a new window as part of Warwick's Year 10 Work Experience programmeLink opens in a new window, WMG Work Experience Week provides students from underrepresented backgrounds in Coventry and the West Midlands with invaluable hands-on engineering experience.
For many participants, the programme allows them to see a future in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a real, tangible possibility by removing barriers to education and demystifying entry into the field. It is also a chance for young people to realise what they can achieve in a real-world STEM environment, equipping them with the confidence to fulfil their potential.
Real-life skills for real-life applications
From Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July, 33 Year 10 students from 13 schools experienced a variety of exciting projects aligned with WMG’s research areasLink opens in a new window. Activities ranged from designing sustainable technology solutions to experimenting with robotics and automation, and saw participants engage with the entire project lifecycle from concept to completion.
Projects included:
- Designing a sustainable product using recycled materials and TurtleStitchLink opens in a new window, a digital embroidery program
- Exploring renewable energy concepts by building a heat pump system
- Creating a business plan for an innovative product
Participants were supported throughout by WMG’s experienced staff and Warwick student ambassadors, who shared valuable insights into university life to help inform the students’ next steps after school.
Each project highlighted the diverse range of pathways and careers available within STEM, while helping students develop essential skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving and time management. Crucially, the experience was an impactful way to foster greater inclusivity in engineering by nurturing the next generation of talent.
Many students reflected on how the week had helped broaden their horizons and consider previously unexplored career paths: "I’ll be considering a business start-up because our entire project was focused on a business idea”, said one student. “I’d do it over and over again. I loved the experience. I loved how intriguing it was. I loved everything about it.”
Another student spoke of the transferable skills they gained: “I found the week educational because I learnt new skills: teamwork, delegating tasks, working together, and reaching a deadline. I learnt how to deal with pressure in a group.”
Celebrating young talent
The week culminated in a special project showcase held jointly with students and staff from the Faculty of Arts’ work experience programme, which runs on campus at the same time. The event was a chance for participants to present their innovative work and celebrate their achievements with family, friends and teachers.
Warwick staff were also in attendance, including Professor Kerry KirwanLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG, and Professor Stuart CroftLink opens in a new window, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick.
Professor Kirwan praised the Year 10s’ efforts: "It was a joy to see so many young people engage with engineering and talk about their work with such enthusiasm and confidence. What they have accomplished in a week is incredible, and I hope their time at WMG has inspired them to take the next step in becoming the engineering talent the industry needs.”
WMG Work Experience Week is supported by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s ‘Inspiring Young Engineers’ projectLink opens in a new window and exemplifies WMG Outreach’s commitment to providing young people with authentic opportunities to grow, explore, and discover their potential in STEM.
Find out more about WMG Outreach: Public engagement & outreach | WMG | University of Warwick Link opens in a new window