GUTS: Kids' engineering show hits top speed once again

Now in its eighth year, the interactive event is firmly established as one of the best ways of inspiring youngsters to consider a job in the sector.

Held at Magna in Rotherham on Wednesday April 18, it will showcase sectors from traditional cutlery and tools making to aerospace, buildings and bridge construction.

Youngsters can have a go on Formula One and flight simulators a ‘Theatre of Engineering’, virtual reality welding, CNC machining, and VR tools for the rail industry.

Exhibitors include Rolls Royce, McLaren, Tinsley Bridge, Polypipe and Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd.

Headline sponsors are Liberty Speciality Steels, Cooper Brown Enterprises and Careers Y&H.

Other sponsors are AESSEAL, Doncasters Bramah, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Santander and Benchmark Recruitment.

Mick Hood, Liberty Speciality Steels HR director, said: “Get up to Speed is a fantastic way of raising awareness among young people, teachers and parents of the exciting opportunities in engineering or science-based careers.

“Each year it gets bigger and better and I’m sure this year will be no different.”

John Barber CEO of the work-wise Foundation and chair of the GUTS steering group for the past eight years, said: “Many local and increasingly national companies attend with their apprentices and graduates to talk to young people and those who educate them.

“Eight years on some of those early visitors are attending as apprentices and graduates and telling their own stories and inspire others. Get up to Speed is free to visit and is designed to inspire and inform through a wide range of hands on activities, showcasing many different businesses. Teacher awareness seminars will be run on the day, so they can take back to school knowledge and spread the word further.” The day starts with a business breakfast and panel debate on skills including an address from David Richards CBE chairman of Prodrive and chairman of the UK Motor Sports Association.

GUTS is free and open to young people, families, individuals, schools and employers. To book visit www.getuptospeed.org.uk or contact John Barber at [email protected]