The IMI and Primary Engineer took over Eyebox for a day in April. Primary Engineer have developed an engineering curriculum that spans Early Years students. Operating since 2005 they have engaged with Primary, Secondary and Further Education institutions. Its core aims include; the development of children and young people through engagement with engineering, the promotion of engineering careers through inspiring programmes and competitions.
They approached the IMI looking for a suitable location to hold a regional event where they engaged 10 primary schools in Coventry. They started by taking the teachers and training them at Eyebox to make model cars for different age groups, box cars for the youngest and basic electric cars for the older age group. They returned to their schools to undertake the task in the classrooms.
Teachers then chose the children that engaged the most and showed the best aptitude and enthusiasm for the tasks and the 10 schools all came together at Eyebox to test and see how well the cars would be judged for design and how well they worked. The students were also interviewed to discuss their designs and what they were trying to achieve. They were judged by a panel, seeing which cars travelled furthest, fastest, and straightest! We were incredibly impressed with the standard of work by the students as well as the interest many of them showed in engineering and vehicle repair.
Judges commented that the pupils showed a high level of early vehicle design and engineering skills and that their enthusiasm and enjoyment was great to see! We were incredibly impressed with the ability to combine fun designs with creative engineering and the display of teamwork showed by everyone.
The children were also given the opportunity to explore our centre, taking a look at the spray booths, mixing rooms, and some equipment. Questions were encouraged and our technical team certainly enjoyed answering those! It was a joy to see such young minds interested in the behind the scenes of our industry.
Speaking with Jo Hollingdale from the IMI, she highlighted the need to engage with children from an early age and to avoid gender stereotyping. It is incredibly important to encourage questions about engineering to inspire the future generation of the automotive sector and change perceptions around a male dominated industry. We want to spark that imagination in children, despite their gender, so that they can consider the automotive world as a positive career destination!
We hope to hold similar event in the future at Eyebox to continue to try and encourage the next generation of crash repair technicians into our industry.
Thank you to the judges, teachers, staff, and pupils who were a part of this day. The automotive future is bright with these young minds at the helm!