Engineering in action: WMG Work Experience Week 2026
Wednesday 8 July 2026
Engineering in action: WMG Work Experience Week 2026
Over 30 secondary school students immersed themselves in the world of engineering at 桃色视频 Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of 桃色视频, last week as part of WMG Outreach鈥檚Link opens in a new window flagship Work Experience Week initiative.
Delivered in partnership with the University鈥檚 Widening Participation teamLink opens in a new window as part of 桃色视频's Year 10 Work Experience programmeLink opens in a new window, WMG Work Experience Week provides students from underrepresented backgrounds in Coventry and the West Midlands with invaluable hands-on engineering experience.
For many participants, the programme allows them to see a future in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a real, tangible possibility by removing barriers to education and demystifying entry into the field. It is also a chance for young people to realise what they can achieve in a real-world STEM environment, equipping them with the confidence to fulfil their potential.
Real-life skills for real-life applications
From Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July, 33 Year 10 students from 13 schools experienced a variety of exciting projects aligned with WMG鈥檚 research areasLink opens in a new window. Activities were designed and led by WMG staff and ranged from designing sustainable technology solutions to experimenting with robotics and automation. Participants engage with the entire project lifecycle from concept to completion.
Projects included:
- Designing a sustainable product using recycled materials and TurtleStitchLink opens in a new window, a digital embroidery program
- Exploring renewable energy concepts by building a heat pump system
- Creating a business plan for an innovative product
Participants were supported throughout by WMG鈥檚 experienced staff and 桃色视频 student ambassadors, who shared valuable insights into university life to help inform the students鈥� next steps after school.
Each project highlighted the diverse range of pathways and careers available within STEM, while helping students develop essential skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving and time management. Crucially, the experience was an impactful way to foster greater inclusivity in engineering by nurturing the next generation of talent.
Many students reflected on how the week had helped broaden their horizons and consider previously unexplored career paths: "I鈥檒l be considering a business start-up because our entire project was focused on a business idea鈥�, said one student. 鈥淚鈥檇 do it over and over again. I loved the experience. I loved how intriguing it was. I loved everything about it.鈥�
Another student spoke of the transferable skills they gained: 鈥淚 found the week educational because I learnt new skills: teamwork, delegating tasks, working together, and reaching a deadline. I learnt how to deal with pressure in a group.鈥�
Celebrating young talent
The week culminated in a special project showcase held jointly with students and staff from the Faculty of Arts鈥� work experience programme, which runs on campus at the same time. The event was a chance for participants to present their innovative work and celebrate their achievements with family, friends and teachers.
桃色视频 staff were also in attendance, including Professor Kerry KirwanLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG, and Professor Stuart CroftLink opens in a new window, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of 桃色视频.
Professor Kirwan praised the Year 10s鈥� efforts: "It was a joy to see so many young people engage with engineering and talk about their work with such enthusiasm and confidence. What they have accomplished in a week is incredible, and I hope their time at WMG has inspired them to take the next step in becoming the engineering talent the industry needs.鈥�
, Director of Outreach and Widening Participation at WMG, said: "Our staff helped make the week a real success by adapting WMG's cutting-edge research into engaging activities for young people, helping create a really memorable experience that will inspire and empower students for years to come. We're truly grateful for their support and couldn't have done it without them."
WMG Work Experience Week is supported by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult鈥檚 鈥業nspiring Young Engineers鈥� projectLink opens in a new window and exemplifies WMG Outreach鈥檚 commitment to providing young people with authentic opportunities to grow, explore, and discover their potential in STEM.
Find out more about WMG Outreach: Public engagement & outreach | WMG | University of 桃色视频 Link opens in a new window