Inspiring the engineers of tomorrow

A North East engineering company is set to showcase STEM careers to local students.

Parker Hannifin, a global leader in motion and control technologies, will be engaging students at STEMFest Newcastle from 7-9 October at the Vertu Motors Arena. 

The company’s STEM ambassadors and apprentices from its Bioscience Filtration site, in Birtley, County Durham, and Gas Separation and Filtration Division, in Gateshead, will be on hand to run interactive workshops and demonstrations.

Parker’s team will introduce students to its technology and product range, demonstrating applications across industries including manufacturing, energy, biopharmaceuticals and food and beverage. 

Students will have the chance to take part in hands-on activities such as colony counting challenges and manifold building, while learning about filtration and the importance of sterile environments in everyday products like bottled water.

This year marks the fourth consecutive STEMFest for Parker Bioscience Filtration and the first with its apprenticeship programme represented on the stand. 

Parker’s Gas Separation and Filtration Division will also have its own exhibition space for the first time, offering insight into career paths across engineering, IT, finance and HR.

Alison Rishworth, division HR manager at Parker Bioscience Filtration, said: “We’re delighted to be once again exhibiting at STEMFest. 

“Participating in this event demonstrates our commitment to engaging with the communities in which we live and operate and aligns with our purpose: to enable engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow.

“In previous years the event has stimulated engaging discussions and it’s been great to see students light up and get involved in the activities we have on our stand and around the venue. 

“This year it’s back at Vertu Motors Arena, which will provide two floors of hands-on-learning for students, and our team is looking forward to meeting the students and showcasing the opportunities available to them.”

Richard Purdy, project engineer and STEM ambassador at Parker Bioscience Filtration, added: “I’m genuinely excited to be attending STEMFest again, as it’s a well organised event which provides fantastic opportunities to connect businesses and schools. 

“As STEM ambassadors, we regularly engage with local schools through running in-school workshops and hosting tours of our facilities. 

“STEMFest is a great way for us to extend our reach and showcase the variety of careers available right on the doorstep of these young people.

“This year we’ll have around ten volunteers running activities on our stand across the three days, from our apprentices to long standing employees. 

“Each team member can share their experiences and career journey, to encourage students to consider a career in a STEM subject.

“I’m looking forward to spending time engaging with the local community as well as the other exhibitors, as we can share our experiences of championing STEM.”

STEMFest, coordinated by the STEM Hub and delivered by RTC North, brings together students, educators and industry experts to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists. 

The three-day event will welcome more than 3000 students aged nine to 13, alongside around 60 local companies showcasing careers across sectors such as space, sports, technology, energy and manufacturing.

For more information on STEMFest Newcastle, see here.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →