STEM outreach

Supporting development of future generations

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)

We are committed to actively supporting the STEM skills development of future generations. STEM Outreach enables us to engage directly with and attract our future talent which is vital for the future competitiveness and success of our business, economic growth and improving individual lives.

We have many registered STEM Ambassadors based at our Peterborough facility, who actively support our STEM Outreach programme including British Science Week, local STEM festivals, facility tours, in school STEM activities and First Lego League. Our STEM Learning hub, STEMPoint, also works directly with schools and contacts us and our STEM Ambassadors with requests for support.

British Science Week

British Science Week is an annual event arranged by the British Science Association, which aims to teach and inspire young people across the UK through hands-on, fun, STEM activities. The week of activities which takes place during March, is co-ordinated by Peterborough Young Engineers and involves a half day rocket making and launching activity for a total of 300 Year 5 pupils from five local schools.

Sessions include:
Introduction to the company, job roles and an explanation of what an engineer does.
Activities which start children thinking about principles behind developing ideas in engineering.
Making strong shapes to support rocket launch pads - learning about materials and the importance of geometry in engineering - the difference in strength between a flat and a cylindrical structure.
How a rocket works using a balloon to show action and reaction caused Making and launching robust, air-tight and streamlined rockets.

STEM festivals

We support STEM festivals held in local schools and the community, including the Peterborough STEM Festival. We can create a stand with hands on fun activities and a team of STEM Ambassadors on hand to explain how STEM is used within our organisation and in associated careers and job roles.

Facility tours

We offer facility tours for A’ Level/College students and teachers to develop their understanding of how STEM is applied in a modern manufacturing industry, by seeing how we design, test and build our engines. They can also meet graduates and apprentices to find out what it’s like to enter the business through these different routes.

(Pictured is a group tour undertaken in 2018)

In school activities

Our STEM Ambassadors are committed to helping local schools by inspiring students with fun and interactive STEM activities. We have a range of fun activities we can offer to primary and secondary school children. In addition, our STEM Ambassadors sometimes mentor and support students with their own school STEM projects.

First Lego League

First Lego League is a global event which runs from September to December every year. Around 40 STEM Ambassadors from the facility coach over 100 students aged 9-11 to design, build and programme a Lego robot for the robot challenge competition, which takes place at the Peterborough facility. The overall winner takes part in the regional finals.

Contact us

If you would like your school/college/organisation to take part in any of these activities please contact us.

Please note we are currently at capacity for schools participating in First Lego League and British Science Week, but we can add you to our waiting list.

Email us

Corporate Social Responsibility

Around the world, our facilities support local educational, environmental, charity and sponsorship initiatives. We are proud to take an active role contributing directly to our communities, helping them thrive, deliver better outcomes and build lasting relationships.

More information

Community

For many years we have donated to Peterborough based charities and community groups. Our employees volunteer each year, supporting Kids Country range of activities (part of the East of England Agricultural Society). We also have a long-standing relationship with the Railword Wildlife Haven, participating in team building events for the last 15-years. We welcome applications for funding however, we are not able to support them all.

Charity partners

Every couple of years, our employees choose two charity partners to support with fundraising initiatives, events and activities. Our new charity partners for 2021 are Mind and Sue Ryder. Previous charity partners have been Anna’s Hope, Cancer Research UK, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Little Miracles.

Perkins announces two new charity partners