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Engaging with engineering with Primary Engineer

Primary Engineer

We are pleased to support Primary Engineer, an educational not-for-profit bringing engineering into classrooms across the UK. They connect engineering and technology professionals with schools to provide pupils with a real-world understanding of what engineers do and the wide range of opportunities within the industry.

What is Primary Engineer?

With the UK facing both short and long-term skills shortages across many sectors, early engagement with young people has never been more vital. Research shows that STEM aspirations and perceptions are shaped during primary school and often set by the age of 14.
 
A more diverse, creative, and problem-solving talent pipeline will be essential to meet future challenges - and engineers play a critical role in making this happen.
 
Primary Engineer's work relies on the support of engineering professionals who share their expertise, experiences, and enthusiasm with pupils, acting as powerful role models and bringing engineering to life in the classroom.
We couldn’t do this without our industry partners, whose involvement has had a profound impact on schools, students, and the engineers themselves. Whether you're an engineer who'd like to volunteer, or a company looking to partner with Primary Engineer to help shape the future of engineering - get in touch.

Why it matters to the CEA

This initiative underlines the CEA’s commitment to addressing the industry-wide skills shortage. By engaging students with engineering, promoting engineering careers through inspiring programmes and competitions, and developing engineering skills for teachers and practitioners, Primary Engineer is preparing the next generation of talent.

Viki Bell, Director of Operations at the CEA: “The skills shortage in our industry is a challenge we cannot ignore. Primary Engineer offers a comprehensive curriculum from early years through secondary education and further education, ensuring students engage with engineering from the outset of their learning journey. By supporting this initiative, we are helping to inspire young people, equip teachers, and open doors to rewarding careers in engineering. We’re proud to add Primary Engineer to our portfolio of skills-based partnerships.”

How to get involved

Become a partner

Want to make your engineering outreach more impactful and measurable? For 20 years, Primary Engineer has been the go-to partner for engineering and technology companies looking to deliver meaningful STEM engagement and social value without the hassle.
 
Learn how to:
 ✅ Achieve measurable social value
 ✅ Deliver high-quality STEM engagement
 ✅ Make outreach effortless and impactful
 
 

Become a volunteer

Primary Engineer knows young people cannot be what they cannot see which is why linking education and industry together and bringing engineering and technology professionals into classrooms is a core part of what they do.
 
Last year they saw a fantastic increase in the number of engineers volunteering their time and engaging with teachers and students, as well as an increase in the amount of pupils and schools taking part in their fully-funded programmes and competitions.
 
The involvement of volunteers helps Primary Engineer showcase the variety of engineering careers and opportunities, making the field come alive.
 
They have a number of flexible opportunities during the school year. Find out how you can become a Primary Engineer ‘Engineer Inspirer'.