Hitachi Rail has confirmed that they have renewed its commitment to STEM in schools in the UK.

The partnership between Hitachi Rail and Primary Engineer has already seen STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) promoted to 18,000 children through 150 schools in the UK.

The project will be rolled out to primary schools situated close to Hitachi facilities in the UK and will include locations such as Ashford, Doncaster, Bristol, Newton Aycliffe, Glasgow and Edinburgh with an overall ambition to inspire the upcoming engineers and innovators of the future.

This will be the fourth year that Hitachi Rail will fully fund the innovative Primary Engineering Rail Project, which promotes STEM education in primary schools and is hoped to assist in the closing of the UK skills gap.

During one of the sessions, children at Key Stage 1 will learn to build a train from a shoebox, for Key Stage 2 children will be led through the construction of a train powered by electricity. The programme has been created to keep sessions fun and engaging, providing STEM learning with a broad appeal for an entire class.

Teachers are empowered to deliver curriculum-based engineering projects to the class and Hitachi Rail offers support and training to do this. Hitachi employees will also liaise with teachers and pupils to provide help during hands-on sessions and also offer ideas of how to encourage engineering within the school environment.

Studies reveal that at secondary level education, most students have an idea of which sectors they are likely to make a career choice. It is vital to promote STEM to female students before making engendered choices of subjects before GCSEs.

Jim Brewin, Head of UK and Ireland, Hitachi Rail said: “To support Hitachi Rail’s UK legacy of being at the forefront of technological advancement it is imperative that we educate and inspire younger generations to seek an interest in engineering and related subjects. Our continued partnership with Primary Engineer is a prime example of how we are supporting this important work.”

Chris Rochester, UK Director of Primary Engineer, said: “Hitachi Rail were the trailblazers for the Primary Engineer Rail Project, which is now supported by rail companies around the UK. It’s fantastic to have more schools involved this year as part of our ongoing partnership with Hitachi Rail to introduce young minds to rail engineering where we are witnessing incredible innovation and cutting-edge technology and exciting future careers.” 

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