Open doors at Festo

Festo opens its doors at their Northampton site monthly for school visits throughout the academic year. As well as meeting the engineers and having a go at creating their own pneumatic systems, the students learn all about how engineers study the principles of nature, biomimicry, to design equipment to carry out everyday tasks in factories such as gripping, moving and positioning goods as well as controlling processes.

Students from year 6 to year 13 have been able to see first-hand how exciting engineering careers can be today.

Festo has also developed agendas, presentations and interactive exercises and each visit can be tailored to the age group and the objectives of the teacher.

Using this approach means they can be high impact without too much administration as they're regular events. The visits haven't cost a lot of money, it's about investing time. 

Aim to inspire 

"It's important for companies to take some responsibility for the wider issues outside their organisation and we have a responsibility to invest in tomorrow's engineers. We enjoy doing something outside our main job roles and working with other colleagues. It's great when you see the children are engaged and enjoying the session."
- Nicola Meadway, Marketing Consultant, Festo

"Over the last 20 years, I have seen huge reductions in the numbers of engineers being trained and the ack of skills that appear in manufacturing as a result. I do this to inspire and encourage young people to consider engineering as a career for the future."
- Graham Spencer, Training Department, Festo