The University of Warwick has launched a new multi subject work experience programme to inspire the next generation of engineers and artists.

The programme welcomed 80 Year 10 students across multiple disciplines for a week long programme, collaborating to design innovative projects from festivals to factory systems.

The programme was launched by The University of Warwick’s Widening Participation team, alongside Warwick Manufacturing Group Outreach, the Faculty of Arts, and Warwick Arts Centre.

Challenges such as vehicle design, renewable energy, cyber security, and battery pack production inspired the engineering team.

With guidance from WMG engineers and supported by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s Inspiring Young Engineers project, the 24 engineering students were given first-hand experience of tackling problems within a laboratory and workshop environment.

WMG’s Widening Participation Co-ordinator Phil Jemmett said, “Throughout the week we've had ups and downs, challenges, and successes – but that is what engineering is really like! Nothing works the first time, so the students have had to learn problem solving and resilience.

“I couldn't have been happier to have seen each of the six projects from the engineering stream working at the final showcase – and each one of them had elements and decisions designed by the students themselves.

“They have each grown in their abilities and confidence through the week and I hope that they take that confidence back with them to their studies, and who knows where in the future.”

The 16 creative arts students developed a new Arts Festival for Warwick’s campus, with everyone assuming different job roles, from Finance Manager to Creative Director.

Each group followed project management processes to build their company identity, programme, festival budget, operational and marketing plans, working to ensure sustainability and inclusivity were at the core of their festival, and even filmed their own social media trailer.

Beth Russell, Creative Learning Project Officer for Warwick Arts Centre said, “Our aim was to showcase to the young people the breadth of opportunities in the Arts, particularly in those roles that exist behind the scenes.

“We were so pleased to watch the 16 young people take on our challenge with such passion, innovation, and critical thinking. The future of the Arts sector is bright with these young people on their way!”

The final event of the week was a showcase filled with the creations of the students from both streams. Parents, carers, teachers, and University staff were invited to celebrate the hard work of the students, and it was officially opened by Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Stuart Croft.

Jo Spencer, a Widening Participation Officer in the Widening Participation team added, “It was fantastic to offer this opportunity to so many talented individuals from a range of schools in the area.

“Seeing these students work with University staff and student ambassadors to engage with project work in both engineering and arts was wonderful.

“I hope that the participants left the week feeling proud of what they had achieved, in terms of the finished projects, but also in how they had grown in confidence and developed key skills that will benefit them in the future.”



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