Gloucestershire-based global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, is running a virtual UK work experience programme in 2021.

The company will virtually host 140 students in years 10 to 13 with week-long sessions running during school holidays from mid-February until the end of July. The sessions will give students exposure to a wide range of engineering disciplines, such as design, development and manufacturing, to encourage young people into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

Renishaw's work experience schemes are project-based to give students an insight into engineering as a career. This year, work experience programmes will go ahead virtually to keep students and employees safe. Groups of six students will be set a challenge to create a design solution at home using computer aided design (CAD) software and cardboard prototypes. During the challenge, students will be mentored in virtual breakout rooms by a number of Renishaw engineers who are employed in different roles across the business, including project managers, design engineers and graduate engineers. Students will also attend virtual afternoon skills sessions to hear from engineers about their roles, gain useful hints and tips about CAD, and prepare for their future careers with sessions on presentation and CV writing skills, and careers talks.

Simon Biggs, education outreach officer at Renishaw, said: "Renishaw has hosted group work experience weeks for seven years and 2021 will be no exception. We want to continue inspiring younger generations to consider a career in STEM, even if it has to be virtually. Our work experience schemes have always been successful, with some students going on to join Renishaw as apprentices and graduates after their time at school.

"This year Renishaw is trying something new and will also offer an all-girls week in April to encourage more diversity in the industry," continued Biggs. "When applying, girls were given the option to attend the girls week or any of the mixed weeks. We hope that providing more opportunities like this will help close the gender gap in the sector and help girls understand that engineering can be a good career prospect for them. We look forward to seeing the results of this new offering."

Applications for Renishaw's virtual work experience 2021 are now closed.