Inspiring the next generation of engineers has been a long-standing focus for us at Mabey Hire. Through our STEM Education Programme, we work with schools, customers and industry partners across the UK to help bring engineering to life through hands-on, practical learning.
Launched in 2017, the programme was created to encourage more young people to explore careers in engineering and construction while showcasing the skills and opportunities available within the industry.
Originally delivered as a 16-week course for Years 6, 7 and 8, we redesigned the programme in 2023 to offer flexible single-topic sessions. This new approach has enabled us to engage with more schools, reach more students and respond more easily to local needs.
A record year for the programme
The programme has enjoyed its most successful year to date, engaging 775 students during the 2025/26 academic year.
Since the introduction of the new format in 2023, more than 1,474 students have taken part in STEM sessions, compared with 467 students during the previous four years of the programme. More than 3,000 hours of student engagement were delivered during the last academic year alone.
We recently reached another significant milestone following a joint STEM session with Caledonian Water Alliance in Glasgow, taking the total number of students engaged through the programme to more than 2,000 since it began.
Helping more young people discover engineering
Over the past year, our STEM Ambassadors have delivered 20 sessions across the UK, introducing students to the practical challenges and opportunities involved in engineering and infrastructure.
Working alongside schools and industry partners has enabled us to reach more young people and demonstrate how engineering helps shape the world around us. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, students gain an insight into the skills, creativity and problem-solving involved in the sector.
Looking ahead
With demand continuing to grow, we are expanding the programme to support more schools, students and industry partners across the UK.
The 2026/27 academic year is already underway, with a successful session delivered alongside Caledonian Water Alliance in Glasgow and further opportunities being explored across the infrastructure and construction sectors.
As the programme approaches its tenth year, our focus remains the same: helping young people develop an interest in engineering, understand the role it plays in everyday life and explore the opportunities available within the industry.
Every session is an opportunity to inspire future engineers and encourage the talent that will help shape the industry’s future.
