STUDENTS at a Bradford school have taken part in a STEM day to inspire them to become the engineers of the future.

Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College held the Engineering Development Trust's STEM day, sponsored by the RAF, that saw about 130 students participate in a full day programme of activities focused on science, technology, engineering and maths skills.

Among the challenges they were presented with were a disaster recovery scenario, placing financial constraints on the solution and applying their STEM skills on a competitive engineering task. There was also an investigation into the development of flight through the ages, with each student building and testing their own ’Ring Wing’ glider.

Susan Stewart, business engagement and partnerships manager at the school said: "BBEC has a major focus on STEM, including a STEM ‘academy’ for students and the innovative Centre of Excellence in Environmental Technologies. We were thrilled that the RAF could provide further insight into this exciting sector."

Squadron Leader Glyn Dean said: "The Royal Air Force employs a workforce that comprises of around 50 per cent engineers and technicians. Addressing the UK’s significant technical skills shortages is therefore key to sustainable, future RAF recruitment.

"Engaging directly with schools in order to challenge gender stereotyping, enthuse and inspire young people to continue their maths and science studies, and offer them early information about the wide spectrum of exciting and rewarding engineering career pathways open to them is essential. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College. The students were excellent.’