Three years ago, a group of young people took their first steps into engineering. This month, they celebrated just how far they've come.
Students from Next Engineers Cohort 3 graduated after completing more than 220 hours of learning outside the classroom, marking the end of a journey that has seen them grow in confidence, develop new skills and discover what's possible through engineering.
Delivered by The Inspirational Learning Group, the programme has given students the opportunity to take on engineering challenges, work alongside industry professionals, visit employers and develop solutions to real-world problems.
Graduation was an opportunity to celebrate not only the projects students have completed, but the personal growth they have shown throughout the programme.
Over the past three years, students have developed presentation and communication skills, strengthened their teamwork, built resilience, improved their critical thinking and problem-solving, and formed friendships that will last well beyond the programme.
For many, the experience has also shaped their future ambitions, with a large number of students now planning to pursue engineering pathways and securing scholarships to support their next steps.
Reflecting on the programme, one student shared this advice for future aspiring engineers:
"Dive head in. There's no fear in these environments. You'll feel the fear of failure, but everyone is there to support your setbacks."
Another spoke about the confidence they have gained:
"The key skill I learnt was working in a team and trying to express my thoughts in a way other people will understand them. I used to think I was really good at it - turns out I wasn't. Now I feel really confident and I'm not worried about how to express my ideas."
The graduation celebrated much more than engineering knowledge. It recognised three years of commitment, personal growth and the confidence to take on new challenges.
As Cohort 3 closes this chapter, many students are now preparing for the next stage of their education and careers, while a new generation of young people will soon begin their own journey through Engineers of Change.
