On 28 March, global engineering technologies company Renishaw (www.renishaw.com) officially launched its education partnership with Bloodhound SSC, and Andy Green, the current holder of the World Land Speed Record and the driver of Bloodhound SSC opened the Fabrication Development Centre (FDC) at Renishaw’s Miskin facility in South Wales.

The FDC, an educational resource for hands-on learning, aims to inspire young people and to encourage a ‘pipeline of talent’ into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers.

Schools or groups of young people can use the facility (for free) for lessons or workshops. The FDC contains two classrooms, staffed by a qualified teacher and Renishaw STEM ambassadors.

It is equipped with ‘state of the art’ equipment, including 3-D printers.

Simon Biggs, education out-reach officer at Renishaw, said: “With companies already struggling to recruit skilled candidates, it is important to get more young people interested in STEM subjects at GCSE and A-Level.

“Creating engaging educational experiences for pupils at a young age can be essential to their selection of these subjects at degree or apprenticeship level.

“The Fabrication Development Centre enables pupils a chance to grasp the link between the school curriculum and industry.

“They can take part in workshops that complement the exam specification and give them a better understanding of the career opportunities available to them in the future.”