Ceredigion MP, Mark Williams, has visited students from Ceredigion’s Schools who were exhibiting their work at the Big Bang UK Young Scientist and Engineers Fair in Birmingham.

In its sixth year, the fair is the UK’s biggest celebration of technology, engineering and maths for young people and is an opportunity for students to discover how school subjects can lead to fantastic, exciting and rewarding science and engineering careers. This year, students Jaeger Petry and Dewi Uridge from Ysgol Bro Pedr, and Ceylon Jukes from Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi exhibited their work at the fair as part of the National Science and Engineering Competition. Mark went to view their entries, and speak with the students and their teachers about their work.

Over the coming decade it is thought that the UK will need approximately 1.86 million engineers to meet demand from industry, yet research undertaken by Engineering UK, who organise the event, shows that two in five firms are already struggling to recruit STEM-skilled employees. The recently published Perkins Review recognises the importance of inspiring young people before they make decisions about their academic future that could exclude them from a career in engineering.

Commenting at the fair, Mark Williams said;

‘It was excellent to visit to the Big Bang Fair to celebrate the achievements of Ceredigion’s students. Jaeger, Dewi and Ceylon are excellent ambassadors for our County, and should be proud of their achievements, as should all the teachers and staff at our schools who work so hard.

‘With growing demand in the engineering industry, it is great to see that the education pupils are receiving in Ceredigion is standing them in good stead for an exciting and productive career ahead.’