Independent educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust, has teamed up with a host of leading companies to launch a challenging and innovative timetable of national courses for schoolchildren across the UK in 2009.

From this week, any student can apply to attend a wide range of subsidised four-day residential courses which take place at Universities nationwide. Subjects include Biomedical Engineering, Design & Manufacture, Electronics, Marine Technology, Materials Technology, Nanotechnology, Nuclear Engineering, Power Engineering, Robotics, Supercomputing, Sustainable Energy and Technical Textiles.

These short taster courses are designed to attract students that have an interest or natural flair in Science, Maths, Design or Technology to take up careers in engineering. They all challenge the misconception that engineering is ‘dry’ and ‘boring’, providing a fun foundation for learning whilst proving that engineering is in fact evident in virtually every aspect of daily life.

Companies and institutions involved include Airbus, Anglo American, Babcock, BT, Jaguar Land Rover, the Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust, Learning Grid, Microsoft, National Nuclear Laboratory, Rio Tinto, Rolls-Royce, Royal Navy, Severn Trent Water and Vodafone.

Founded by Dr Cosby Smallpeice in 1966, the Trust has grown tremendously over the past 42 years, helping thousands of young people find a successful career in a multitude of engineering and technical roles within industry. Over the last 12 months, almost 8,000 students have attended a Smallpeice activity. This is expected to increase to 12,000 students by the end of this year. The Smallpeice Trust is continually looking for new partners to inspire and connect with the next generation of engineers. Interested companies should call 01926 333200 or visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk for more information.