The Big Bang Fair, the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for young people, is returning to Birmingham this summer.
Organised by EngineeringUK, the event aims to showcase the wide range of careers available across STEM. From Wednesday, 19 to Friday, June 21st 2024, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the fair expects to host over 16,000 students ages 10-13 and thousands of educators from around Britain.
Attendees will be able to participate in hands-on engineering challenges and activities that bring technical concepts to life. From building and coding robots to piloting submarines, these interactive experiences offer valuable insight into actual engineering practices while sparking creativity and problem-solving skills.
Students can expect to test their skills in structural design using different materials and explore applications from various fields like renewable energy, healthcare technology, and more.
The fair will introduce attendees to professionals from leading UK STEM companies and institutions alongside these activities. Representatives from sectors like aerospace, construction, software development, and beyond will be present to offer inspiration and advice to the next generation. From lively science shows to panel discussions on pursuing technical careers, the programming aims to highlight various possibilities in engineering and technology.
The event also hosts the awards ceremony recognizing finalists in the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition. Open to UK residents aged 11-18, the competition invites students to develop STEM projects surrounding environmental sustainability or medical innovations. The ceremony will celebrate winners across categories, honouring exceptional young scientists, engineers, and technologists.
Giving students early exposure to technical concepts and career paths holds essential long-term implications, especially amid UK shortages across critical STEM occupations. Initiatives like the Big Bang Fair help plant the seeds of interest that may one day grow into pursuing engineering or technology degrees and jobs. The event represents a critical entry point for all students to gain firsthand experience of where an aptitude for math or science may lead.
The UK faces an estimated annual shortage of 59,000 new STEM workers, including shortfalls in critical areas like electrotechnology and advanced manufacturing. Coupled with the country’s legally binding net zero emissions target by 2050, these undersupplies threaten to slow down climate and infrastructure goals. Inspiring more young people, especially those underrepresented in engineering, to explore Engineering as a vocation is essential to overcoming current and future challenges.
Schools across Britain have from January 31st onward to book their free tickets early to attend the 2024 Big Bang Fair. With high demand annually for the event, organizers encourage early registration to guarantee access. Teachers especially are invited to bring their students for a rewarding end to the academic year, igniting new STEM passions that may one-day power UK innovation and progress.
TLDR :
- The Big Bang Fair is the UK’s largest STEM event for students ages 10-13, taking place June 19-21, 2024
- Attendees can take part in hands-on engineering activities like robotics, gain insight into STEM careers
- Engineering employers will be present to inspire and advise the next generation
- An awards ceremony will recognize young scientists and engineers
- Sparking early STEM interest in youth is critical to addressing UK shortages in technical fields
