A skills showcase event held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham at the end of last month was visited by over 3,000 young people from 69 schools and involved over 90 businesses.

‘Get up to Speed with STEM’ was designed to inspire students about careers in science, technology and the manufacturing industries, through a day of fun and interactive activities.

Pupils came from 55 South Yorkshire schools, and some travelled from as far away as Newcastle.

The event involved exhibitors from industry sectors including space technologies, medical implants, aerospace, acoustics, construction, rail, water and climate management.

Companies such as Worcestershire-based Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd attended, along with dozens of businesses from Yorkshire.

The motor industry was also well represented, with the Sheffield-Simplex 1921 automobile on display, along with a McLaren and a Tesla Model X Falcon Wing.

The guest speakers included Kate Turner, who is head of planning (and the youngest-ever senior manager) at Doncaster-based DB Cargo (UK) Rail, and Rahul Mandal, research associate at the University of Sheffield Nuclear Advanced Research Centre and 2018 winner of the Great British Bake Off.

John Barber, CEO of the Work-wise Foundation, said: “Get up to Speed aims to play its part in growing our wealth-creating skills base to help us achieve our economic and social ambitions.

"It was created by industry to introduce, inspire, inform and interact with the next generation of scientists, engineers, designers and business leaders.

"It aims to reach out not only to young people but also to those who influence and advise them, so they also understand what’s out there — now and in the future.”

The event was sponsored by Liberty Speciality Steels, AESSeal plc, Cooper Brown Enterprises, Doncasters Bramah and Capita. Next year’s Get up to Speed event (www.getuptospeed.org.uk) will be held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre on 25 March.

This will also be the event’s 10th anniversary.