FG Wilson, engineers for the future

The business issue

FG Wilson (Engineering) Ltd is a pioneer in the design and manufacture of diesel and gas generator sets. For over 40 years, FG Wilson has been a major global player in the provision of power generation solutions. It is a global company with over 2,200 employees.

What FG Wilson (Engineering) Ltd did

For years, education was a prime element of its CSR strategy, to ensure the talent pipeline for the organisation.

Following the NI STEM review, it developed a long term strategic plan, to invest in young people’s futures and encourage them to continue with science, technology, engineering and maths as they make their subject choices. Long term it hopes to encourage more young people to study engineering at third level.

Supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, a 3 year partnership with Queen’s University was established to develop a journey of learning for young people and highlight key intervention points throughout their studies that could encourage them to continue with STEM subjects. 

Phase 1 of the programme had 10 schools involved participating in 3 events – an Engineering Challenge, Magical Maths session and Robotics workshops. Now into Phase 2, there are 11 events to be delivered and this includes other stakeholders such as teachers and parents. One innovative development was a Parents evening at the Whitla Hall, QUB where 250 parents attended to hear about engineering as a career from FG Wilson staff. 

Staff engage in the initiatives such as volunteering to speak at events about their experiences, acting as facilitators and ambassadors and are encouraged to update their personal smart goals so they can be recognised for this work. 

Impact

  • To date 12 secondary and primary schools have directly participated in the programme (this number will increase as the year progresses)
  • For the company, it is building its image as an employer of choice for young people, it is influencing the future talent with the correct skills and expertise to meet the future employment needs of the business
  • Following some events: 66% of respondents felt more likely to apply to University as a result of their Day of Engineering event and 30% of respondents were more likely to study Maths following a Magical Maths event

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