Maker{Futures} is STEPping Forward to inspire engineers of the future 

We are spearheading an ambitious new initiative to inspire the next generation of engineers in the region. 

The project

North Nottinghamshire, once a centre for coal mining and electricity generation, is now poised to play a key role in the UK’s clean energy future through the STEP Forward initiative. Backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Ingenious scheme, the project builds on Sheffield’s expertise in education, innovation, and community engagement. Working with partners including the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Bassetlaw District Council, STEP Forward engages local communities in the UK’s fusion energy strategy through the government’s flagship Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme, which aims to build the world’s first commercial fusion power plant by 2040, connecting cutting-edge engineers with schools and local communities to raise awareness of engineering careers and support the transition to clean energy.

The University’s role in leading STEP Forward places it at the forefront of public engagement with engineering, ensuring that young people in North Nottinghamshire, West Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to see themselves as the engineers of the future.

STEP Forward has been designed to deliver lasting impact by building capacity in public engagement by working directly with local councils, the UKAEA and engineers linked to the new STEP fusion facility, creating a cohesive and sustainable engagement programme for the region. 

Engineering for primary schools

The STEP Forward project will engage 600+ pupils from 21 primary schools to build awareness of fusion energy and future opportunities in engineering. A series of bespoke fusion energy class projects aimed at primary schools will support teachers by providing high-quality resources, information, and signposting, helping them embed engineering into classroom activities and highlight the diversity and real-world impact of the profession.

Long-term vision

The resources created through STEP Forward will form a sustainable toolkit for schools and project partners, helping build a long-term skills pipeline for the region. By engaging children and young people today, the project aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow — engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who can play a key role in the UK’s clean energy transition.

Dr Alison Buxton, STEP Forward project lead and Senior Innovation Fellow at The University of Sheffield, said:
“This project allows us to bring together engineers at the cutting edge of sustainable energy production with children and young people across the region to educate, enthuse and inspire a future generation of engineers and creative thinkers.”

About the Ingenious scheme

This initiative is supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology as  part of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Ingenious grants programme which supports projects that:

• Inspire creative public engagement with engineering

• Motivate engineers to share their passion and expertise

• Showcase the diversity and impact of engineering

• Reach communities currently underrepresented in engineering
  
  

Through STEP Forward, the University of Sheffield and its partners are not only supporting the UK’s energy transition but also empowering local communities to take part in shaping a sustainable future.