Teamwork makes STEM dream work

It's so important to inspire young people from all backgrounds to pursue engineering and technology careers. Different perspectives gained from varying life experiences lead to greater potential for innovation and creativity. This collaboration is key in making a difference to people’s lives. Whether through developing sustainable power, improving health and healthcare systems, responding to natural hazards and extreme climate, or managing cybersecurity.  

It is therefore important that students are building and reflecting on their practice of teamwork throughout their education. This is highlighted in the Skills Builder Partnership’s ‘Universal Framework 2.0’, where teamwork is listed as an essential skill for students to master to support a successful future career. The Royal Academy of Engineering’s ‘Engineering Habits of Mind’ also reflects on the importance of collaboration as a key learning attribute for engineers. This helps to create a solid foundation before moving towards the more technical skills needed for different projects.  

Taking part in STEM engagement programmes is an inspiring and practical way to bring STEM and teamwork skills to life for students.  

The Big Bang Competition 

The Big Bang Competition provides students with an opportunity to explore a topic that inspires and excites them, whilst also building their skills and confidence in project-based learning. This is a brilliant way for students to think like STEM professionals and develop valuable skills for their future careers.  

This year, we saw an incredible 183 teams enter their STEM projects into The Competition. These teams explored a huge range of ideas. From improving the awareness of cervical cancer and designing shelters to protect from tsunamis, to testing Mycelium as a plastic alternative and creating cat armour (yes, cat armour!). We also saw one of our biggest teams in recent years. A group of 17 students worked together to improve their school’s stage lighting system, creating new possibilities for school plays, celebrations and other events. 

When reflecting on what they enjoyed most about taking part in the Competition, many students commented that working in teams with their friends was a key highlight. We saw students commenting on the value of bouncing ideas and hearing everyone’s voice and perspective throughout the project process. We also saw students delegate roles to play to their strengths, with some teams having the ‘coding person’ or the ‘marketing person’, but always coming back together to work towards their end goal.   

The ECITB Teamwork Award 

We were delighted to work with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) to launch the ECITB Teamwork Special Award 2025. This award recognises students’ exceptional collaboration, innovative and creative problem-solving skills whilst delivering engineering solutions. Teamwork and collaboration are a key value for ECITB, as highlighted by Andrew Hockey, CEO of the ECITB: “As we move towards the energy transition and net zero, the ability to work effectively within teams to solve complex challenges is essential. Our industry is built on collaboration - whether it’s working across disciplines, industries or geographical boundaries.” 

“It was inspiring to see so many teams working so well together” says Lauriann Williams, Civil Design Engineer at RB Plant Construction. “Teamwork is essential in engineering, where collaboration and communication drive success. It’s important to encourage these skills in the next generation of engineers and technicians.”

With so many fantastic demonstrations of teamwork, this gave the judges a difficult task! Claire Rees, Head of Risk and Quality Management at the ECITB reflected “The standard of entries and the range of projects was amazing, as was the level of teamwork which shined out throughout, it was very, very tough to pick one winner!”  

After 2 rounds of judging, including video calls with finalists, the judges were delighted to announce ‘Tree Generator’ from Thomas Hardye School as their winner. The team of 4 students developed an innovative design which harnesses the kinetic energy of swaying tree branches to generate electricity through electromagnetic induction.  

“We hope the award encourages young people to explore the many possibilities a career in engineering offers”, says Andrew, “igniting a passion and reinforcing the important role they can play in shaping a better, more sustainable future.” 

The Big Bang Competition will be back next year, with entry opening in autumn term. We can’t wait to see more wonderful examples of young people working together to build creative and innovative ideas, creating lasting friendships and understandings of different perspectives, and most important of all, having fun!  

If you would like to take part in The Competition, but are unsure where to start, check out our Big Bang Challenges. The Challenges are inspiring project resources for students aged 11 to 18 of all abilities, to guide them through the stages of STEM project work. This is a fantastic way to bring a team of students together, to begin their Competition journey.

Download The Big Bang Challenges