b'Partner News Spring 2024 13Academicfire equipment manufacturer based in Newcastle, said: This event was a positive way to gather an insight into engineering from another angle. The children and I talked about different engineering pathways, qualifications, and my work and experience at Advanced over the past five years since leaving school. The children took an interest in electronics and were able to talk about their knowledge of fire safety equipment in more detail at the end of the session.Dave Knapton MIET, Principal Lecturer and the Engineering Academic Team Leader in the Faculty of Technology, gave a presentation to the young audience about the history of engineering in Sunderland, starting with shipbuilding all the way through to the advanced manufacturing and computer science work that happens at the university today.I didnt know girlsHe commented that the days activities gave a flavour of engineering as a career choice. The pupils discovered how engineering impacts everything around us and is vital could be engineers! in increasing sustainability, advancing healthcare and improving the lives of people around the world just as some examples.He added: It was fascinating to hear the questions they asked our students and engineering team, we covered such Pupils from three primary schools in theAs an apprentice, Lucy spends one day aissues as the increase in use of artificial north east of England - Seaview Primaryweek studying on campus with the rest ofintelligence, how difficult problems can in South Shields, Tudhoe Colliery inthe week training in the workplace. be solved, what inspired us to become Spennymoor and Thorntree AcademyLucy, 21, from Wallsend, a Safety, Health,engineers and lots more besides. in Middlesbrough - were invited to theEnvironment, and Quality (SHEQ) LeadThroughout the day they were able University of Sunderland in Decemberwith Advanced, a world-leading specialistto create some electronic circuits and 2023 to take part in the special interactivecreate their own inventions to solve world Engineering Day. problems.The event was designed to inspire anOpening up opportunitiesinterest in engineering among schoolThe Engineering Day was organised by children and offer them the chance tothe universitys Widening Access and discover more about what the STEMParticipation Team as part of outreach work profession can offer. with schools and colleges, offering pupils and teachers access to a wide range of As well as a host of activities includingevents, activities, and helpful resources, a campus tour, and an electrical circuitstailored to different needs.workshop, the children were invited to quiz the latest generation of engineers helpingThe activities and events are designed to to shape and transform their industry. support pupils from all backgrounds, raise Lucy McDine, an Engineering Degreeaspirations and give them the information Apprentice at the University of Sunderlandthey need to make clear choices about their shared her experience of the profession,future, as well as offering encouragement with one excited young girl commentingtowards their journey into university.after the session: I didnt know girls could be engineers!'