Competition
Solve real-world engineering problems with engineers.
The EESW Project encourages young people to consider a career in STEM by giving students a positive experience working with professional engineers in an industrial setting.
An engineer will set a project brief related to a real problem within the company for a team of up to 8 year 12 students. Students research and design a solution and produce a final proposal, model or working prototype.
Students attend a welcome event in September/October, attend a 2 day/3 day workshop in December at a local university, college or training centre and submit a written report in February/March.
The team will then attend an awards and presentation day in Wales in March/April, where they will display their work at an exhibition stand and give a presentation to a panel of assessors.
Capacity
Minimum of 2 participants, maximum of 8 participants. Team numbers are limited to 8 students. However, should students wish to use their experience for the WJEC Welsh Baccalaureate Enterprise and Employability Challenge, this is reduced to 6 members per team.
Cost
There is no entry fee, however, schools need to pay for their own transport to attend our events and teacher supply cover.
Dates and Location
Around 600 students take part in the EESW Project each year across Wales. There is a final awards event in both North and South Wales, and welcome events and workshops are regional depending on the location of the schools involved each year.
Duration
There is an expectation that students and their teachers will meet to work on the project once a week either during lesson time or outside the school timetable. The project finishes before the Easter school holidays with an awards event.
Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Develop engineering employability skills
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
Aiming High - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.
Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.
Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.
Problem Solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.
Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.
Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.
What the teachers sayLog in to write a testimonialWe would love to read all about your time with this experience!
Give your students an authentic experience of university life.
Students spend 3 days at a leading UK university doing exciting hands-on activities and personal development sessions.
Students gain first-hand experience of life at college, university and within a company.
