IMechE strengthens partnership with Primary Engineer to inspire the next generation of engineers

16 April, 2025

This partnership directly supports IMechE’s Education & Skills objectives, creating a clear alignment between the two organisations in their commitment to improving engineering education. By working together, they aim to inspire, engage, and support a broad range of stakeholders, including students, teachers, and industry professionals, all while widening the pool of future engineers. The ultimate goal is to address the skills gap in the sector and encourage more young people to pursue careers in engineering.

Primary Engineer has significantly expanded its reach over the past year, engaging over 117,000 students in the 2023-2024 academic year alone. This growth reflects the organisation’s efforts to bring engineering education to a wide variety of schools, from city centres to rural areas. By offering practical, hands-on engineering projects, Primary Engineer provides students with the chance to explore real-world applications of engineering concepts. The organisation has also trained over 2,000 teachers, ensuring that the delivery of engineering education is consistently high-quality and accessible.

Industry involvement plays a central role in Primary Engineer’s approach. In the last academic year, 1,608 engineers and technology professionals volunteered to engage directly with students and teachers, offering valuable insights into the broad range of careers available in the engineering field. IMechE strongly supports this model, as it allows young people to see the practical relevance of engineering and gain a better understanding of the skills needed to succeed in the sector.

The Leaders Award, one of Primary Engineer’s standout initiatives, encourages students to tackle real-world problems and develop engineering solutions. In 2023-2024, more than 75,000 students from across the UK participated in the competition, which provides an opportunity for students to receive recognition for their work. Each participant receives a certificate from an engineer, which not only acknowledges their effort but also reinforces the link between education and the professional world of engineering.

Looking ahead, both IMechE and Primary Engineer are committed to continuing their work together to reach even more students across the UK. With a shared aim of addressing the engineering skills gap, the partnership is seen as a crucial way to equip the next generation with the knowledge and inspiration they need to pursue careers in engineering.

Through this partnership, IMechE and Primary Engineer are helping to shape the future of engineering in the UK, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to explore the field and realise their potential as engineers.

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