Mention engineering, and what do young people see? Decay and the past? Or hope and the future?

The Verena Holmes lecture is about young people and engineering. It is about ideas -- the ideas that drive engineering and the impact that engineering has on everyday life.

The lecture encourages young people to think about engineering in terms of the vital role it plays in maintaining and improving our way of life and standards of living -- and how they can make an impact by choosing engineering as a career.

Have you noticed that primary-aged children are enthusiastic about engineering and technology? This lecture series taps into that, opening eyes, ears and minds to the variety engineering offers.

The presentations are exciting, interactive events and have explored many aspects of engineering from bridge-building to the manufacture of chocolates to putting stripes in toothpaste.

The lecture is a joint venture between industry and the Women's Engineering Society aimed at capturing the imaginations of youngsters aged between 9 and 11, to encourage them to seek careers in engineering.

Each lecture last approximately 45 minutes. The lectures are run twice in each of six to ten venues.

Your company's chance to make an impact
You can play your part in putting the engineering story to children in time for them to make the right choices for the right career.

What do you get out of it? Benefits to your company include:

• High-impact contact with young people -- your workforce of tomorrow
• Excellent opportunities to show parents and teachers what engineers really do
• An excellent professional development opportunity for your young engineers

What the company does
Your company would be responsible for the development and the costs of the lecture -- providing presenters and paying for their travel. You would also provide back-up material in the form of pupil/teacher packs prior to the lecture, and 'goody bags' for the youngsters on the day.

What is our part?
Using volunteers, the Women's Engineering Society arranges suitable venues and liaises with local schools to provide the audience. The lecture fund provides for the cost of the venues.

Supporters of past lectures include: BAe, BP, BT, Cadbury, Cambridge University, City University, Comtek, Dave Corporatin, Duckhas, Elliot Autmation, GKN, Hydraulics Research Station, ICI ICL, Imperial College, John Laing, Marconi, veArup &Partners, PowerGen, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, Yeseed Civil Structures

Supported by:

How do you get involved?
Contact Pam Barber at the WES Office.