I2E&M: Expanding STEM Opportunities Across Bridgend

As the latest award of funding for the Introduction to Engineering & Manufacturing Programme for KS3 pupils in Bridgend comes to an end, EESW are as delighted to reflect on the success of the last few months as we are looking forward to what we can achieve in the county in 2026!

Here at EESW we have been busy delivering a variety of our workshops across secondary schools in Bridgend County Borough since July 2025, this has been a part of our ‘Introduction to Engineering and Manufacturing’, programme which has been funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund through Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC).  Delivered by EESW, the project has engaged 10 secondary schools and reached over 540 pupils, providing high-quality STEM experiences that build skills, confidence and awareness of future career pathways.

Funding enabled a diverse mix of in-school workshops, equipment loans, staff support and industry visits.  Schools benefited from hands-on activities including robotics, coding, engineering challenges and applied problem-solving, with LEGO Spike robotics kits loaned to several schools to enhance learning beyond the classroom.  In some cases, this support directly led to sustained provision, such as the establishment of a lunchtime coding club at Bryntirion School, now exploring participation in the First LEGO League competition.

Pupil and teacher feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many schools already expressing interest in future visits as their pupils wouldn’t be able to experience hands on learning in the same way without our funded sessions.

A core strength of the programme was its strong links to industry.  Through the Girls into STEM programme, pupils took part in visits to major STEM employers and learning sites including Sony Technology Centre, WEPA Paper Mills, Welsh Water Education Centre, Big Pit and the BBC in Cardiff. These experiences helped pupils understand how STEM subjects translate into real jobs and local opportunities, while raising aspirations, particularly for girls. On many of these visits girls were also given the opportunity to have hands on experience within these industries, whilst also being able to raise questions with experienced professionals regarding their day-to-day roles and how they achieved their roles within the workplace.

The programme also supported learner re-engagement through work in alternative and targeted provisions, ensuring STEM opportunities were accessible to a wide range of learners.  Overall, Into Engineering and Manufacturing has strengthened STEM capacity within schools, developed staff confidence, and inspired young people across Bridgend to consider future careers in engineering, manufacturing and related STEM sectors whilst helping to develop the digital literacy, numeracy and other employability skills that will support these futures.

We are pleased to share that our SPF Bridgend funding for in-school workshops and Girls Into STEM industry visits has been extended until the end of February. Allowing even more STEM engagement with pupils across the county.