Derby Museums and Belper based, Vaillant, a leader in heating technology, have announced Launch into Engineering, a new programme offering students a hands-on introduction to careers in sustainable engineering.

Combining Derby Museums’ ethos of STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) with Vaillant’s industry knowledge, the weeklong work experience programme introduces students in the Derbyshire area with an interest in engineering to the skills and roles involved in engineering today and in the future.

Vaillant is the largest employer in Belper and has just opened a new site on the new Indurent Park in Pride Park Derby. It is a leading manufacturer of heat pumps, boilers and complimenting heating system products and has invested more than £40 million into the region. This new programme brings further investment into young people, with the aim of inspiring the apprentices, engineers and makers of the future.

Launch Into Engineering combines practical learning with real-world skills through a combination of learning at the Museum of Making in Derby and Vaillant’s manufacturing plant in Belper.

To kick off the week, students receive a tour of the Museum of Making, followed by an induction to the museum’s active workshop, covering the basics of how to safely operate equipment. As the week develops, participants get to grips with a wide range of materials and processes to build their own custom tool, employing traditional processes such as blacksmithing, and learning to use machinery that requires craftsmanship and precision such as wood and metal turning lathes. Students also learn how to work with modern and digital-based methods, with 3D printing and laser cutting both used to make parts of their tools.

Students also tour Vaillant’s factory, learning directly from engineers and apprentices about the technologies behind low-carbon heating systems and the career paths available within the industry.

The first cohort of students from The Bemrose School completed the programme in April, with positive feedback received: ‘It was the best week of my life’, ‘It was a top-quality work experience and has inspired me to be an engineer’, ‘I have an aspiration now for the future, so thank you’.

A second group from Belper School and Sixth Form Centre took part in the programme in May.

Claire Amos, Careers Lead at The Bemrose School, said:

“I was impressed by the commitment that the Museum of Making and Vaillant put into making the work experience week for our pupils such an amazing one. The pupils were engaged and empowered with the eagerness to be successful and complete the week to a high standard. All the staff involved were inspiring and dedicated to this project and made a huge impact on our pupils. I am very proud that as a school we were able to partner with you.”

The programme strengthens an existing partnership – Vaillant are the exclusive sponsor of the much-loved ‘Assemble: Derby’s Making Festival’ and also the Power Pod display at the Museum of Making, where visitors can learn about a low carbon future through observing heritage boilers and heat pump technology designed to transition to a low carbon future.

The programme considers the needs of local employers who have cited a pipeline shortage of young people who are ready for mid-level technical roles. It aims to reflect real-world recruitment by asking schools to interview and select participants based on interest in Design Technology subjects and curiosity for a future career in industry.

Joe Dunn, Plant Director at Vaillant Group UK, said:

“We were delighted to host the students at our Belper site as part of the Launch into Engineering project and to demonstrate the importance of engineering and manufacturing, as well as provide the opportunity for young people to participate in shaping tomorrow’s solutions for long term sustainability.

“As the next generation of engineers, young people play a vital role in leading this transition and helping bring consumers on the journey to net zero.  Career opportunities within the heating sector are broad and it is fantastic to be involved in projects like this that not only spark that initial interest in finding out more but also demonstrate the scope of options available to them.

“Derby has long been seen as a hub for innovation and engineering, and it is fantastic to see local initiatives helping maintain this status for the future.

“The program involves a series of schools from across the area and we look forward to welcoming more students to our site over the coming months.”

Charlotte Convey, Head of Learning at Derby Museums, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Vaillant on Launch into Engineering, a new programme for young people interested in a future career in industry. Through our learning programmes at Derby Museums, we aim to inspire and upskill students through twenty-first century learning rooted in creativity and making. Students not only learn how to use specialised machinery, but the programme boosts communication skills, critical thinking and collaborative working, as well as vital skills such as turning up on time and asking relevant questions.

The first two runs of the programme were rewarding for all involved and I look forward to working with the Vaillant team to develop the project for future iterations!”

For more information on Launch into Engineering, and if your school is interested in taking part, please contact charlotte@derbymuseums.org. Derby Museums’ free Museum of Making is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm where visitors can view the Vaillant Power Pod display.

Image: Students take part in the Launch into Engineering programme with Derby Museums and Vaillant © Finley Jakes/Derby Museums