Primary Engineer is pleased to announce the launch of our new ‘Special Leaders Award’ categories sponsored by key industry organisations. These special STEM awards are designed to actively encourage 5 – 19 year olds to learn more about specific science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers in the wider world.  This ‘grass roots’ approach to motivating learners is helping to build students knowledge and confidence around individual subject areas. Pupils become active learners by interviewing professionals who work directly in these industries and continue to support their schools by becoming ‘Leaders for STEM’ to vigorously involve other pupils. Pupils who apply for these Special STEM Leaders Awards also have the opportunity to win a range of unique prizes and industry experiences.
The organizations supporting these special category awards are – The Royal Aeronautical Society, BLOODHOUND SCC, The Institute of Chemical Engineers, Women in Science Engineering and Construction and The Institute of Mechanical Engineers. These notable industry bodies are actively encouraging young learners to become more knowledgeable about specific subjects and how they can lead to interesting and rewarding careers.

    Royal Aeronautical Society - Deadline 31st May 2010
    BLOODHOUND SCC - Deadline 30th June 2010
    IChemE - Deadline 30th June 2010
    WISE - Deadline 30th June 2010
    IMECHE - Deadline 30th June 2010

To apply for these special awards students submit an initial application letter to Primary Engineer to become a ‘Leader for STEM’ in the school or college – in the letter they outline how they are looking to act as an active STEM Leaders for their school or college and if they wish to enter a special category award. They need to outline what activities they are currently involved in, what they aspire to become involved in and perhaps why a career in the specific industry interests them. The next step is for students, either individually or as a team, to interview someone who works in their chosen industry. Special awards are individual efforts. Help is provided to find industry professional for student interviews. Once they have completed their interview these are submitted in written format via email (by video if under 9) by the deadline dates above, to Primary Engineer, and the winning entries are selected.

The awards are open to all pupils and students aged between 5 and 19 years and more detailed information about each category can be found on the leaders award web site at www.leadersaward.com
Susan Scurlock, National Director at Primary Engineer which incorporates the Leaders Award comments that:

“There are so many fabulous careers open to young people today.  How are they supposed to make informed decisions about their future unless they are inspired at an early age. The opportunity for pupils to undertake research and talk to a range of industry professionals helps them to develop a keen interest in key subjects and understand their applications in the wider world. Interviewing industry professionals about their careers, what they do, what drives them and most importantly asking the kind questions that are important to young people helps to build that understanding and spark their imaginations.

About Primary Engineer and The Special Leaders Awards
The Primary, Secondary and Advanced Leaders Awards for STEM has been created to give students 5-19 the opportunity to discover more about available careers and career paths by talking to professionals engaged in specific fields. The more they look for possible candidates to interview the more they will discover about the breadth of opportunities available to them. Links can be made to local industry and the opportunity to interview visiting professionals to the school. Interviews will be published on the Leaders Award website and made available to supporting industries, organisations and press.
www.leadersaward.com

Primary Engineer founded in 2005 develops the opportunities to develop the links essential for transition between primary and secondary schools through teacher CPD, classroom resources and national challenges. A not-for-profit organisation supported by Tomorrow’s Engineers and industry. www.primaryengineer.com
For further information please contact: Susan Scurlock, National Director of Programmes Primary Engineer 01254 720650 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it