Amanda Brick
School Relationship Officer
Amanda works closely across all of our programmes to engage and support schools with EUK Education's activities. She leads the delivery of the Big Bang at School Blueprint programme, supporting schools to host their own STEM event and inspire young people into STEM.
The UK needs more young people to choose engineering and technology careers
However, many young people struggle to understand how classroom STEM connects to real jobs and only 25% think engineering fits well with who they are. That’s why we’re committed to helping every young person understand the breadth, excitement and accessibility of careers in engineering and technology.
Across our programmes, we show students what engineers do, meet role models and experience STEM in meaningful ways. That could be through meeting real engineers at The Big Bang Fair or chatting over a STEM project during The Big Bang Competition judging. It could be by exploring green careers in our Climate Schools Programme or by asking the Tomorrow’s Engineers Week panel a question. All our activities are designed to make real-life connections between STEM learning and career pathways.
Of the students who want to become engineers or technicians, 36% prefer a technical or vocational route. By introducing students to role models and multiple career routes, including apprenticeships, T Levels and university degrees, we can inspire more young people and challenge stereotypes.
A spotlight on Big Bang at School
Big Bang at School offers lots of opportunities to link STEM activities with careers. The programme enables the whole school to step outside the usual and host a day filled with amazing science and engineering activities. It supports teachers with a clear framework, planning support and ready to use resources that make it easier to embed career inspiration into the day. Rather than adding career content as an afterthought, teachers are guided to weave it throughout activities, helping students connect their skills to the real world. It also supports schools to meet key targets such as the Gatsby Benchmarks and Provider Access Legislation by embedding employer engagement into STEM learning.
The following case studies demonstrate how schools have successfully used Big Bang at School to create meaningful, career-led STEM experiences:
Using a themed carousel to make careers visible
William Perkin CofE School’s 2025 event is an excellent example of how theme based STEM activities can naturally start conversations about careers. Their chosen theme, All the small things, explored the science of cells, atoms, viruses and stardust, offering links to careers in biology, chemistry and astrophysics.
The school brought together:
- keynotes from Dr Rebecca Jeffery (Microbiology) and Professor Ray Owens (Molecular Biology), offering direct insight into research careers
- a Royal Institution live show on “super cells,” transforming abstract biology into a dynamic performance
- a wide range of hands-on workshops run by universities, research organisations and industry
These workshops weren’t just about doing science. They were about meeting the scientists and engineers behind the sessions. Students could link concepts like ecology, chemistry or infection control to real job roles.
This approach aligned with Big Bang at School’s aim to connect students with real life engineers and scientists, build their science knowledge and challenge stereotypes.
Using a community focused STEM fair to promote pathways
Leyton Sixth Form College delivered a vibrant STEM fair that connected KS3 students from 14 local schools with employers, universities and older students acting as peer guides. The careers focused day was ideal for helping students explore different futures.
The fair included:
- employers: RAF, City Robotics, NHS Barts Trust and the Department for Education
- universities: UCL, Queen Mary University of London, University of Essex and others
- peer led stands: showcasing subjects like engineering, applied science, IT, 3D design and physics
- a careers trail guiding students through the event, prompting them to connect each activity to a skill or career area
The range of exhibitors demonstrated that STEM careers are possible through multiple pathways, including apprenticeships, degrees, T Levels and vocational courses. This made it easier for teachers to facilitate meaningful discussions with students about their next steps.
Making careers a natural part of STEM learning
Linking STEM activities to careers doesn’t have to be complex or difficult. All our programmes are designed to make this easier for teachers by providing structured resources and useful contacts to bring STEM careers to life.
The above case studies show that when teachers have the right support, they can create unforgettable experiences where young people enjoy STEM and see themselves in it. By integrating hands-on learning with real role models and clear pathways, we can help every student imagine their future in STEM.
Discover Big Bang at School Blueprint and get support to host your own STEM event and inspire your students into STEM and STEM careers.
Of the students who want to become engineers or technicians, 36% prefer a technical or vocational route. By introducing students to role models and multiple career routes, including apprenticeships, T Levels and university degrees, we can inspire more young people and challenge stereotypes.
— Amanda Brick, School Relationship Officer
