GYFW was founded on the principle that, to address the problems of an ageing workforce and insufficient number of new qualified engineers, it is necessary to start at an early stage in an individual’s development and, using regular, structured inputs and experiences, create a continuous development process which starts at primary level and continues into post 16 education and beyond.
Launched in May 2003, the participating companies provide business and engineering expertise and the Northwest Regional Development Agency has provided funding. A range of other business and educational partners also give their resources and support. The programme operates in ten areas that are located near the companies’ engineering centres in Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
In each area an engineering consortium has been developed, each centred on a “hub” High School. The consortium includes their partner high schools and primary schools, FE colleges, and Higher Education institutions, as well as education and business support organisations. The consortia reflect the diversity of the region with the hub High Schools ranging from small rural grammar schools, to large inner city comprehensives.
Each consortium has developed their own programme tailored to their particular circumstances and challenges but they share common objectives: to raise levels of attainment across Key Stages 1-4 , to increase the number of students enrolling on courses in science, mathematics, technology and engineering in schools, Sixth Form and FE colleges and Universities, and increase the number of young people entering the engineering profession.
The project has also enabled teachers to be up skilled in a number of areas at both primary and secondary level. Programmes such as SETPOINTS, Smallpeice Trust engineering experiences and the Engineering Education Scheme have enabled students to work with engineers on real industrial problems, and develop the skills to enhance their future employability The project has also provided valuable personal development opportunities for company engineers. As a result of the initiative, the companies involved have improved their recruitment strategies and have developed material and to explain and promote opportunities in their businesses.
