ConocoPhillips, the global energy company with a major base locally at the Humber Refinery, has team up with the Oasis Academy Immingham to launch a new scheme to get youngsters from Greater Grimsby interested in engineering.
The Educating Engineering Kids (EEK) project has been set up to inspire local junior school pupils to think about working in the industry. It is hoped the scheme will go someway to provide the skills that will be required in the future by industries on the South Bank of the Humber.
The project was launched last week when around 100 pupils took part in a range of fun activities at the South Killingholme refinery.
Nina Stobart, from ConocoPhillips, said:
“We are engaging with children of a younger age to get them excited about engineering. All the activities are based around engineering, maths, science and technology, but the kids don't know that because it's fun. Hopefully in 15 years time some of the kids will be back here as graduate engineers working at the refinery.”
Children spent the day attempting a series of challenges under the guidance of Oasis Academy teachers and ConocoPhillips staff. Split into teams they were tasked with constructing a tower out of straws and paper clips, making a rocket on wheels and distilling ink in the laboratories.
Paul Fairlie, assistant principal at Oasis Academy Immingham, which specialises in engineering, said: “There are some phenomenal job opportunities out there, and the industries on the South Bank are so important to the local economy.”
Link: www.conocophillips.co.uk