IHEEM will be supporting The Big Bang at Manchester Central in March – a three-day event developed in partnership with over 70 organisations from business and industry, Government, and the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) community, aimed at stimulating interest in science and engineering among young people, and encouraging them to consider a career in the field.
Being held at Manchester Central from 11-13 March, this is the second Big Bang event to date, and the organisers hope to raise visitor numbers from the 6,500 who attended the science and engineering fair last year to around 10,000 in 2010. The event is led by Engineering UK, formerly the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB), in conjunction with organisations including the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Science Association, and a number of the leading engineering institutes. Alongside hosting project stands showcasing innovative science and engineering projects, including entries to the National Science and Engineering Competition – open to all 11-18 year olds in the UK that have completed a science project or activity – the event will host displays and demonstrations from top UK organisations showcasing how science and engineering impact on everyday lives and explaining what the future might hold. Young visitors will also be able to participate in workshops and obtain guidance from leading scientists and engineers on potential career opportunities. Static Systems has already agreed to provide its one-bedded “ward of the future” as a feature of the “Body Talk”-themed area within the event, but IHEEM is now keen to hear from other company affiliate members who believe they could contribute exciting hands-on technology for the healthcare estates-themed section, in event/education manager Jeff Pickering’s words: “Anything healthcaresestates- related with which youngsters could really engage hands-on.” IHEEM will also be providing information on healthcare estates careers to a central careers “hub”, while the event organisers are looking for around 300 adult volunteers as chaperones/ guides. For more information contact Jeff Pickering, T: 023 9282 3186; Email: jeff.pickering @iheem.org.uk The Institute’s president Rob Smith added: “IHEEM is delighted to be involved in this year’s The Big Bang. Although engineering plays a significant part in many aspects of everyday life, the skills, expertise, and dedication of UK engineers are frequently underrecognised by the public, and even by other professionals working in the sector. “The Big Bang has a key role to play in highlighting the sector’s achievements, and in enthusing the engineers of the future. It is also an excellent chance to promote the healthcare estate management and engineering profession to a receptive audience, since, while many young people will be aware of the skills of medical practitioners, how many will have really stopped to consider the vital contribution of the teams that keep hospitals running, or indeed the many exciting potential career opportunities a job in the sector could offer?”
