Building the Next
Generation of UK Engineers
The UK’s future prosperity depends on a strong pipeline of talented engineers. We work with schools, teachers, and educational partners to spark interest in engineering careers and provide young people with the skills and confidence to pursue them. Our programmes reach learners at every stage, from primary school through to undergraduate level. We work with industry to ensure their future talent needs are understood and supported by this work.
Our Impact Programmes
Carefully designed initiatives that create lasting change
in the UK’s engineering and manufacturing landscape.
Born to Engineer
Born to Engineer is the ERA Foundation’s flagship outreach initiative. Launched to promote engineering careers and provide resources for teachers and young people, the platform has evolved to support a growing community of engineering content creators who inspire audiences across social media.
- Video series featuring young engineers from diverse backgrounds and specialisms
- Teacher resources and lesson plans aligned to the national curriculum
- Support for engineering-focused content creators to expand their reach
Born to Engineer content has reached thousands of young people across the UK, helping to address the skills gap by encouraging more students to consider engineering as a viable and exciting career path.
The Clark Prize
Teachers play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of engineers.
The Clark Prize, established in 2016, recognises exceptional educators who go above and beyond to motivate young people to consider engineering careers. Named in honour of David Clark, our first Executive Secretary, the prize celebrates teachers, technicians, and educational advisors who make a lasting difference.
Each year, we invite nominations from across the UK for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to engineering education. Winners receive a financial award and are celebrated at the ERA Foundation’s annual dinner, where they join our community of fellows, partners, and supporters.
Working with Partners
The Foundation works with a network of educational organisations to maximise the impact of our outreach activities. These partnerships allow us to support programmes that we could not deliver alone, reaching more young people and teachers across the UK.
- Arkwright Scholarships: Supporting talented students through the Smallpeice Trust
- STEM Learning: ENTHUSE partnerships connecting SMEs with local schools
- Primary Engineer: Embedding engineering thinking in primary education
- Working with Engineering UK, WISE, In2Science, and Kids Invent Stuff to support their work
- IET Futures Fund: Supporting young engineering apprentices
Direct Support for Aspiring Engineers
Beyond our partnership programmes, the Foundation provides direct financial support to individuals at critical stages of their education. This includes funding for female students undertaking electronic engineering degrees through the Electrical Association for Women Centenary programme, as well as support for scholarship recipients across multiple institutions.
These awards help remove financial barriers and ensure that talented young people can pursue engineering careers regardless of their background.
Our partners include the Smallpeice Trust, through which we have supported over 100 Arkwright Scholars. We have funded courses specifically designed to encourage girls to develop an interest in physics and engineering. We have also worked with the Institution of Engineering and Technology to support young apprentices through their Futures Fund.
1.5million
Reached through Born to Engineer
100+
Arkwright Scholars
15
Clark Prizes
5awarded
EAW Centenary scholarships
Outreach News
Keep up to date with the latest Foundation news, and insights into changes in the Engineering sector.
