On 23rd April 2026, an Introduction to Engineering Workshop at Springwell Alternative Academy, Grantham brought together education and industry to deliver a hands-on careers experience for students in Alternative Provision.
Led by IQEDX Limited and delivered by its Director, Martin Thompson, the session demonstrated how targeted employer involvement can raise aspirations, improve understanding of technical careers and support early talent pipelines.
For employers, it showed how short, well-designed encounters can deliver meaningful impact with minimal time commitment.
The Challenge
Young people in Alternative Provision often have limited exposure to employers and technical career pathways, making sectors like engineering feel less accessible, despite strong local employment opportunities.
This initiative aimed to:
- Make engineering feel relevant and achievable
- Provide a practical, workplace‑style experience
- Link learning to real careers, skills and local opportunities
A Practical, Employer-led Approach
The workshop focused on introducing students to engineering careers through a practical, employer-led experience.
20 students took part in a hands-on challenge, working in teams to design, build and test mini gliders. The activity mirrored real-world engineering processes, helping students develop problem-solving, teamwork and design skills. A competition element encouraged engagement, while structured guidance mirrored workplace practice.
Alongside this, students explored engineering disciplines including aviation, civil, digital and electrical, broadening awareness of career pathways.
The workshop aligned with recognised careers education standards, ensuring a structured and meaningful employer encounter.
A key strength was direct employer insight. Martin Thompson shared his career journey, demonstrating how engineering skills can transfer across industries and lead to both local and global opportunities. By linking engineering to everyday applications – from logistics and AI to media and technology – students gained a clearer understanding of the sector’s relevance.
"The workshop provided students with a plausible and accessible way to pursue meaningful career opportunities / progression within the engineering workplace"
Martin Thompson, IQEDX Limited
He added that students’ awareness of local employers highlighted existing interest that could be developed further with the right support – particularly through apprenticeships and structured pathways.
Why This Matters for Employers
This pilot highlights the value of early employer engagement. Even short activities can help businesses to:
- Increase awareness of sectors and career opportunities
- Challenge misconceptions about technical roles
- Introduce key workplace skills
- Strengthen local talent pipelines
For employers, this is a low-commitment, high-impact way to support future workforce development while delivering social value.
Impact and Outcomes
In the short term, students developed greater awareness of engineering careers and confidence engaging with employers. Longer term, early exposure helps build stronger local talent pipelines and supports progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
Students left with resources and clear next steps to continue exploring opportunities.
Looking Ahead
This workshop demonstrates a scalable model for employer engagement, with potential to expand through collaboration with local colleges and businesses.
Simple, well-structured workplace experiences can deliver meaningful value for both employers and young people.
If your business is interested in:
- Inspiring future talent
- Building early connections with potential recruits
- Supporting local skills development
Find out more about getting involved here – https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/business-support/the-greater-lincolnshire-careers-hub/
