An event has been held to celebrate the launch of a new dedicated STEM learning facility at a North East school.

The dedicated building for the delivery of STEM sessions at Egglescliffe School, Yarm, is supported by global engine manufacturer Cummins.

Its opening coincides with the launch of a new four-year Cummins partnership education programme for Egglescliffe students. Having started in September 2023, this course provides access to hands-on engineering activities and training for a select group of 20 year eight students.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Students from Egglescliffe School celebrating the launch of the new STEM Hub

These students will then be offered the option of attaining Industrial Cadets Accreditation in years nine, ten and 11 through the Engineering Development Trust. Students also receive a dedicated mentor for the duration of the programme, helping them make informed choices with regard to future studies or employment in the STEM sector.

The STEM Hub is the latest development in a long-term partnership between Egglescliffe School and Cummins, which dates back to 2017 and is estimated to have reached more than 350 students.

Lindsay Oyston, executive head of Egglescliffe, said: “We’ve had a great partnership with Cummins for several years, with students engaged throughout this time on engineering and wider STEM projects. It’s been fantastic to see all the pupils so excited by this launch, we can’t wait to provide more hands-on experience and provide valuable skills from the Hub for many years to come.”

Wayne Spooner, technical director at Cummins, added: “The development of STEM skills for future generations is something we feel passionately about, as it will not only support the creation of many rewarding careers but also crucially the development of new sustainable technologies.

"It’s fantastic to celebrate this launch and see first-hand how passionately the students feel about these subjects.”

Cummins has previously supported Egglescliffe School with multiple initiatives, including Young Engineers and the F1 in Schools programme - an international STEM competition for school children in which students design and manufacture a miniature car out of the official F1 Model Block.

This support stems from the Cummins Darlington Campus as part of Cummins’ global Every Employee, Every Community programme, which offers every employee across the business at least four hours of paid volunteering time every year.