We’re partnering up to help attract the engineers of tomorrow

Extending Volvo Cars’ commitment to safety beyond the road, the Volvo For Life Fund is a global initiative supporting projects that aim to empower people, restore and preserve our planet, and provide protection when natural disasters strike.

Now, we’re delighted to announce the Fund’s latest partnership: we’re joining hands with EngineeringUK to encourage more young people to pursue a career in engineering and technology.

EngineeringUK is a not-for-profit organisation passionate about informing and inspiring the next generation of engineers and creating a diverse future workforce in the UK.

“Through our partnership with EngineeringUK, we can help inspire the next generation of engineers and energy technicians and help develop the skills they need for the jobs of the future,” says Louise Thompson, head of the Volvo For Life Fund. “This goes well in line with our vision for the Fund, which is to extend our commitment to safety beyond just the road.”

Think like an engineer
Research shows that the more interactions young people have with engineering professionals, the more likely they are to consider a career in the industry. That is why EngineeringUK’s approach is to support employers and the wider engineering community while engaging directly with schools via outreach programmes.

Our partnership will focus on one of those programmes, called ‘Energy Quest’. The programme offers an in-school science workshop that inspires 11 to 13-year-olds to problem-solve, get creative and think like engineers.

The lessons are filled with fun, hands-on experiments that the students can do in groups. They also get the chance to explore the different fields of engineering and learn about the various types of engineers.

Thanks to the partnership with the Volvo For Life Fund, EngineeringUK will be able to expand the Energy Quest programme. Going forward, it will reach 80 schools across four regions in the UK, benefitting over 20,000 students directly or via their teachers at a critical point in life when many are deciding on their future careers.

EngineeringUK Chief Executive, Dr Hilary Leevers, says, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Volvo For Life Fund to help inform, educate and excite young people about energy and the important jobs in engineering and technology and as energy technicians that will help our planet in the face of climate change.”