Category: Events

Green Futures workshops reaches over 2000 young people in first 3 months

Author louisacockbill | Posted on

Engineering’s Inspire Sustainability team are leading on a new exciting project to inspire local children into green jobs (thanks to funders the West of England Combined Authority). Last year they recruited 48 local people in green jobs to feature on a top-trump card pack and hot off the printing press in February – the cards went straight into schools and communities!

Visiting 25 mainstream schools, five special educational needs groups and two community events since the launch- the team are are acting on UWE’s duty as a civic university to benefit the local community – raising aspirations for all young people and creating the workforce of the future to deliver Net Zero aims.

Inspiring

The Green Futures sessions have enabled young people in primary and secondary schools to discover what a green job is and how it’s relevant to their lives. They’ve explored the huge diversity in jobs (& people!) featured in the card pack, alongside hands-on activities.

The funding includes a focus on young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and in alternative learning provision (ALP) – so the team have adapted their sessions to engage these groups.

The SEND summits began in April, bringing groups into UWE’s own Prototype & Play lab. In May, that’s continuing, with groups also going into We The Curious and ss Great Britain – learning about green jobs in inspirational settings.

“Really interesting and engaging. Loved the career cards and how they showed a range of skills.”

Parent from a SEND summit

Volunteer ambassadors in green jobs are involved as well – as it’s always an inspiration to meet someone in person and for students to ask questions!

“The children loved meeting people from the cards – it really brought the session to life.” 

Teacher from St Werburgh’s Primary

If your child’s school would like to book in a session please email: engineeringourfuture@uwe.ac.uk (we’re taking bookings from September as we’re fully booked until the summer!)

Connecting

At the end of March, the card pack launch was celebrated with the people featured on the cards, along with local business representatives, teachers and members of the local careers hub. As well as celebrating and connecting the amazing people who’d featured on the cards, the event also marked Retrofit Action Week with three speakers outlining how their roles contribute to making buildings Net Zero.

Find out more about the celebratory launch or explore the real people in amazing green jobs – their profiles feature here and include lots of interesting facts (including earnings ££), career routes and inspirational quotes. Look for UWE representatives – Glenn Lyons, Laura Fogg-Rogers and Roger Griffith.


We’re not just connecting with schools and businesses – we’re also going into communities. We’re joining in with local events and leading our own events in community centres – like St Paul’s Green & Healthy Careers Fair on 19th May – read more and get a ticket to come along.

Want to find out more?

More information about the Inspire Green Futures workshops can be found on the website.

The project is led by Laura Fogg-Rogers and Louisa Cockbill at UWE. Who worked alongside – My Future My Choice, the Natural History Consortium and Graphic Science, the STEM ambassador delivery partner for the SouthWest – to recruit people for the cards and now to deliver to thousands across the region.

Green and Healthy Futures Fair: A Celebration of Community, Opportunity and Sustainable Work

Author katcorbett | Posted on

On Monday 19 May 2025, residents of St Pauls and the wider Bristol community are warmly invited to the Green and Healthy Futures Fair, taking place from 1pm to 8pm at St Pauls Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, BS2 8XJ.

Organised in collaboration by UWE Bristol’s Inspire Sustainability Team and Bridging Histories, this free event is rooted in community partnership and the shared goal of building fairer, greener futures. It brings together local organisations, employers, and educators to inform about practical support, training, and career opportunities — all in an open, inclusive setting.

A Fair for All

The Green and Healthy Futures Fair is for anyone thinking about their next steps – whether you’ve been out of work for some time, are exploring new possibilities, or simply want to find out what’s happening locally. The event is open to all ages and stages, and aims to create a welcoming space to ask questions, build confidence, and connect with others.

Throughout the day, attendees will be able to:

  • Explore stalls offering job opportunities, apprenticeships, and free courses
  • Receive advice on accessing support services, training, and further education
  • Enjoy warm food provided by Glen’s Kitchen from 3.30pm
  • Access free tech support from FixMyTek (bring your device for a check-up)

Free Workshops and Support

A number of bookable free sessions are available throughout the afternoon and evening, including:

  • Mock interviews (1:1 and pre-booked, 3pm–4.35pm)
  • Professional LinkedIn photos (5pm–7pm)
  • Interview skills workshop (5.15pm–5.45pm)
  • CV writing session with Babbasa (6pm–6.40pm)

These sessions are designed to support people in building the confidence and practical skills needed for job applications and interviews. Spaces are limited and can be booked when registering via Eventbrite.

Organisations attending

Attendees will have the chance to meet people from the following organisations:

All of these partners are working towards a shared vision: a city where everyone has the opportunity to develop their skills, access fulfilling work, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

How to Attend

The event is free to attend and open to everyone. To take part in workshops or book a professional photo slot, please register in advance:

Book your free place on Eventbrite

If you have any questions about the event, contact: kat.corbett@uwe.ac.uk

Event Details:
Monday 19 May 2025
1:00pm–8:00pm
St Pauls Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, BS2 8XJ
Please note: There is no parking available at the venue

Inspire Sustainability team supporting local families to low-carbon cook!

Author joshuawarren | Posted on

The Inspire Sustainability team recently worked again with a team from the Asian Energy Studies Centre at Hong Kong Baptist University to put together a low-carbon cooking workshop for local families in Barton Hill.

As part of a study project on household energy usage, the workshop provided the families with tips and tricks for lowering their bills whilst still cooking nutritious and budget-friendly meals.

Around 25 people including many young children gathered in Cafe Conscious in Barton Hill to experience the workshop, to learn and to eat together. The evening was a great success with a great community spirit.

UWE’s Inspire Sustainability team member and home cook Josh Warren showed the group a delicious and nutritious hearty veggie curry recipe, and local cook Joyce Fong made a flavourful and quick tossed potato salad.

Both dishes went down really well and demonstrated lots of tips for energy-saving, such as batch-cooking, using the microwave, and buying locally and seasonally. Most of the ingredients were even bought from the neighbouring shops and convenience stores in Barton Hill.

The project hopes to continue to bring energy-saving advice and workshops to local communities in Bristol and support families to reduce their bills.

To find out more about the project, you can email the team at engineeringourfuture@uwe.ac.uk

Empowering the Future: How UWE Bristol is Transforming Apprenticeships and Workforce Diversity

Author engineering | Posted on

Celebrating International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day , the Inspire Sustainability team at UWE Bristol are running an interactive workshop on March 13th 2025, with STEMazing’s Alex Knight.

The event is open to all (you can Register here) and we especially welcome anyone who might be interested in becoming a mentor/mentee in our Women Like Me mentoring scheme in the future. During the session Alex will focus on building confidence, reflecting on the impact of mentoring, and developing leadership skills, providing a valuable space for women apprentices and professionals to connect and support one another.

Mentoring has been a key success factor for the Women in Industry programme, which has seen a 39% increase in participation in the scheme, where senior women in industry support junior women. The programme has also driven a 60% increase in women applicants to apprenticeships at UWE Bristol in just one year. Previous UWE Bristol research shows mentoring and support networks can increase retention, progression, and self-efficacy among women in STEM.

The programme has also had intersectional success, with 38% of mentees coming from Black, Asian, Mixed, or Ethnic Minority backgrounds, compared to just 19% within the Bristol area. The Wave 1 project report is available online: Women in Industry Wave 1 Evaluation Report 2024

Women in Industry is now in Wave 2 and Wave 3 of funding from the Office for Students, and has expanded from its initial focus on diversifying male-dominated STEM fields (engineering, construction, and digital) to also tackling barriers to access in healthcare apprenticeships. Through a combination of degree apprenticeships, mentoring, and employer engagement, the team is ensuring that more people from underrepresented backgrounds can access careers in high-demand industries.

Driving Change: National Apprenticeship Week at Bristol Beacon

The project showcased these successes as part of National Apprenticeship Week, with a panel discussion at the Bristol Beacon, bringing together industry leaders dedicated to diversifying apprenticeships and addressing skills shortages.

Alexia Williams, Through Life Technical Lead at Rolls-Royce, shared her journey from apprentice to technical lead and her advocacy for STEM education. Becca Thurston, Head of Academy & Skills at YTL UK & Wessex Water, highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between education and industry. Jane Hafield, National Lead for Talent for Care and NHS Apprenticeships at NHS England, discussed workforce development strategies in healthcare. Councillor Ian Boulton, Co-Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, emphasized the role of local government in supporting apprenticeships. Nigel Fenn, Head of People, Projects, and Planning at Pennon Group, provided insights into apprenticeship growth in the utilities sector. Toby Gallagher, Registered Nursing Degree Apprentice at North Bristol Trust, offered a first-hand perspective on the impact of apprenticeships in healthcare. Together, they showcased the power of degree apprenticeships in shaping a skilled, diverse workforce.

Our speakers explored how degree apprenticeships can help close the STEM and healthcare skills gaps, with insights from Dr. Laura Fogg-Rogers and Simon Flenley on how our programme has driven a 60% increase in women applicants to apprenticeships at UWE Bristol in just one year. Employers shared best practices on making apprenticeships more inclusive, including mentorship, employer-supported career pathways, and recruitment strategies that challenge bias. With strong engagement from businesses, training providers, and educators, the event reinforced the power of cross-sector collaboration in shaping a diverse, skilled workforce.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces

With Wave 3 of the Office for Students project specifically targeting healthcare apprenticeships, the team is broadening their approach to inclusion—ensuring that people from ethnically diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and neurodiverse backgrounds can access apprenticeships that lead to sustainable careers.

One of the partners, Inclusive Change, also plans to run training workshops for UWE staff and local employers. These sessions will focus on how to create neuro-inclusive workplaces, supporting employers to better understand and recruit neurodiverse talent in both STEM and healthcare apprenticeships. By embedding neurodiversity training into employer engagement, we are shaping a system that not only welcomes neurodiverse apprentices but also empowers them to thrive.

The Impact of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

What makes this project so effective is its cross-disciplinary approach—bringing together engineering, business leaders, HR professionals, and education specialists to drive real change. Through employer roundtables, mentoring, and skills training, we are breaking down barriers to recruitment and retention.

This impact has been amplified by our strong network of partners WISE Campaign (Women into Science and Engineering), Association for Black & Minority Ethnic Engineers, Babbasa, and STEM Ambassadors. These collaborations are extending our reach, provided invaluable expertise, and connected employers with a more diverse talent pipeline.

How to Get Involved

Register here to attend our International Women’s Day workshop.

To learn more about the Women in Industry programme and how you can support or participate in our work, visit our dedicated page: Women Like Me / Women in Industry.

For more information about degree apprenticeships at UWE Bristol, including available programmes and employer partnerships, visit: UWE Bristol Degree Apprenticeships.

As we continue through Wave 2 and Wave 3, our goal remains the same: to create a more inclusive, skilled, and future-ready workforce. By working across disciplines, engaging employers, and championing mentorship, we are ensuring that apprenticeships serve as a powerful tool for social mobility and industry growth.

MAKERS and Environmental Film Club team up to screen “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy”

Author katcorbett | Posted on

The MAKERS project is excited to partner with the Student Union’s Reel Nature: Environmental Film Club to host an exclusive screening of the ground-breaking documentary, “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy”, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nic Stacey.

This eye-opening documentary dives into the hidden strategies used by major corporations to trap consumers in an endless cycle of overconsumption. It exposes how products are intentionally designed to break or become obsolete, fuelling a global throwaway culture that wreaks havoc on our environment. Featuring interviews with industry changemakers like Kyle Wiens, founder of iFixit, the film also explores the growing movement to reclaim the right to repair our products and reduce waste.

📅 Date: 27th January 2025
⏰ Time: 5 PM
📍 Location: The Student Union, Meeting Room 1

This screening is an opportunity to explore pressing environmental issues, question the systems driving overconsumption, and learn about practical alternatives.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to join a discussion featuring local experts in repair, waste reduction, and sustainability. We will aim to unpack the documentary’s messages and storytelling tools, while also exploring practical solutions to these challenges.

For questions or additional information, contact kat.corbett@uwe.ac.uk.

Empowering sustainable repair at UWE Bristol: a collaborative tech repair workshop with FixMyTek

Author katcorbett | Posted on

On October 30th, the MAKERS project collaborated with student start-up and device repair experts FixMyTek for a Tech Repair Workshop at UWE Bristol’s School of Engineering. The event aimed to empower students and staff to engage in hands-on repairs to reduce electronic waste.

The MAKERS Project, which stands for “Making and Knowledge Exchange for Repair and Sustainability,” serves as a unique initiative designed to foster repair skills and encourage the reuse of resources within the university community and beyond. Through workshops and collaborative activities, MAKERS creates an inclusive environment where students, staff, and members from the community can connect, learn repair skills, and ultimately embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

The turnout for the workshop was fantastic, with a strong mix of students and staff bringing in personal devices that required fixing or rejuvenating. Attendees tackled a wide range of electronics, including the brush roll of a vacuum cleaner, a charging adaptor with a shorted circuit, a faulty iron, and a particularly stubborn hair dryer. In just a few hours, participants collectively saved an estimated 4.15 kilograms of electronic waste—showcasing the significant impact of choosing repair over replacement.

Training in electrical engineering is a core mission of FixMyTek, whose team of technicians comprises university students from UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol got to work alongside their peers as part of the workshop. It was also fantastic to see that one of last year’s MAKERS students had since joined FixMyTek as a member of their team, turning their repair skills into a paid role.

The workshop atmosphere was both relaxed and educational, with participants learning from each other, viewing tutorials, sharing repair tips, and enjoying refreshments.

This experience further underscores the potential for tech repair and upcycling workshops to make a measurable impact in reducing waste and encouraging sustainable habits.

MAKERS and FixMyTek are continuing to collaborate, with a similar workshop planned in the community of St Paul’s later this year.

Exploring Materials: A Collaborative Workshop by the MAKERS Project and the Bristol Materials Network

Author katcorbett | Posted on

An engaging workshop, jointly organised by the Bristol Materials Network and the MAKERS Project, is set to take place on 7th November 2024, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at 4Z002 (Prototype and Play Lab), School of Engineering, Frenchay Campus. This hands-on event provides a unique opportunity to explore materials in new ways, emphasising tactile engagement and critical thinking about the environmental impact of material choices.

The Importance of Materials Awareness

Materials awareness is essential for professionals in design and engineering, particularly in a time where sustainability is increasingly critical. By enhancing materials literacy, practitioners gain insights into the environmental impact of materials, from sourcing to disposal, which can ultimately influence the longevity, sustainability, and ecological footprint of their designs. This workshop aims to foster such understanding, encouraging participants to adopt a more responsible, innovative approach to material selection.

Workshop Highlights

Hands-On Exploration of Material Properties
Participants will engage in a series of activities designed to explore materials through touch and observation, gaining a deeper understanding of their properties and applications. The workshop invites participants to think creatively about materials, with a particular focus on how they might be repurposed or reimagined in design and engineering.

Introduction to Innovative Recycled and Bio-Based Materials
Attendees will also learn about the latest advancements in recycled and bio-based materials currently in development, showcasing how new materials can provide environmentally responsible alternatives without sacrificing functionality or aesthetic value.

Artists’ Books Exhibition: Material Use in Art and Design
A pop-up exhibition of artists’ books will demonstrate unique applications of materials within creative processes, showing how material selection can influence artistic output. Attendees are encouraged to handle the works and explore how these choices reflect sensory engagement, offering inspiration for applying materials thoughtfully in both art and applied fields.

Event Details

Date: 7th November 2024
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: 4Z002 (Prototype and Play Lab), School of Engineering, Frenchay Campus
Cost: Free
Attendance: Places limited, book your place here

Putting Share and Repair on the Map: Celebrating International Repair Day in Bristol

Author engineering | Posted on

The MAKERS project team is excited to support an International Repair Day celebration on Saturday, October 19th, at SPARKS Bristol, and they’re putting “share and repair” front and centre with some exciting new initiatives!

This year marks the launch of a Library of Things at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus. To showcase the vibrant repair community around Bristol, we’ve partnered with Share Bristol to create a new digital map. This tool highlights the many community repair cafés that happen across the city, allowing people to find local places to Reduce, Repair, Share, and Re-use—all key elements of the circular economy.

The map not only showcases the amazing repair work happening in Bristol, but it also supports efforts to tackle waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money. By helping people come together, these initiatives foster stronger communities, all while promoting sustainability.

MAKERS Project: Record Turnout and New Milestones

UWE Bristol’s MAKERS project is already off to a fantastic start this academic year. The first repair café of the term, hosted at the School of Engineering, saw a record turnout, with experienced repairing mentoring freshers and learning new skills alongside community volunteers. This hands-on approach is empowering students to be both environmental advocates and skilled problem solvers.

In recognition of this work, the MAKERS team has also been shortlisted as a Finalist in the Green Gown Awards for sustainability in the Benefitting Society category, with winners to be announced in November.

Project Coordinator Kat Corbett emphasizes how important Bristol’s community repair cafés are, saying:

“Our team at UWE Bristol is committed to supporting this initiative through student involvement, skills development, and raising awareness of Bristol’s repair, share, and reuse efforts.”

Building Connections Through Repair

Beyond the technical side of repairs, the social benefits of these cafés are profound. Dr. Laura Fogg Rogers, Project Lead, points out that both students and older community members report feeling more connected, making new friends while making a positive impact.

“We’re repairing ourselves as well as our goods,” she says, noting the unexpected social connections fostered through these events.

Both Dr. Rogers and Kat Corbett are actively involved in running their own community repair cafés in Eastville and Winterbourne, further embedding these values into local communities.

The Bristol Repair Coalition: Expanding Repair Culture

This local repair movement is part of a broader effort led by Professor Teresa Dillon, who has been directing the Repair Acts at UWE Bristol’s School of Art since 2018. The recently formed Bristol Repair Coalition, an alliance of academics, charities, businesses, and social enterprises, is working to transform Bristol into a city where repair and reuse are second nature.

This coalition aims to support emerging communities of professional, commercial, and volunteer repairers, and to reimagine sustainable material pathways for the city. With more events and initiatives expected to emerge, the Coalition is building a strong foundation for a restorative material future in Bristol.

Join Us for International Repair Day!

We invite everyone to join in the celebration of International Repair Day on Saturday, October 19th, at SPARKS Bristol. This event will highlight the power of repair to reduce our environmental impact, bring people together, and equip us with valuable new skills.

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Location: Sparks (Level 2), 78 Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3DS

(Tickets are free, but need to be pre-booked at here.)

Find out more about the global movement at repairday.org.

MAKERS is celebrating the return of its repair café with a repair skills day

Author katcorbett | Posted on

Following the tremendous success of the UWE Bristol Repair Café, launched in 2023 as part of the Royal Academy of Engineering-funded MAKERS Project, the School of Engineering is excited to announce its return with a Repair Skills Day on September 25th, as part of Starting Block.

In its first year, the Repair Café has prevented 248kg of waste and saved 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions—the equivalent of growing 26 tree seedlings for 10 years.

Students who volunteer regularly at the Repair Café also earn digital skills badges and receive repair kits to further develop their skills at home or at one of the many repair cafés across Bristol.

Student volunteers work alongside industry professionals and local community members, offering valuable networking opportunities and connections with wider repair initiatives across the city.

UWE Bristol’s Repair Café

The MAKERS Team is organising a series of repair-focused workshops on September 25th, perfect for those eager to make a positive impact by joining the UWE Bristol Repair Café. These workshops are open to students and a limited number of staff as well.

Soldering workshops

This practical soldering workshop, led by School of Engineering Technician Will Hadrill, is designed to equip participants with valuable skills that can also enhance their CVs. This hands-on session is particularly beneficial for those interested in volunteering at the UWE Bristol Repair Café.

What Participants Will Learn:

  • Soldering Basics: The workshop covers the fundamentals of soldering, including safety guidelines and essential tools.
  • Practical Experience: Attendees will practise creating clean, strong solder joints on circuit boards and electronic components.
  • Repair Skills: The session will help participants develop the ability to repair electronic devices, a key skill for those looking to contribute to the UWE Bristol Repair Café.

Session 1: 11am – 12.30pm
Session 2: 1.30pm – 3pm

Location: 3Z032 in the School of Engineering (Z Block)

Sign up for a soldering session

Garment mending workshop

Learning how to repair clothes is a useful skill that will help extend the life of your favourite garments.

In this class, Meret from Re_Thrindle will teach basic mending techniques, including how to fix seams and hems, reattach buttons, and do simple patching. Participants should bring along an item that needs mending; all other materials will be provided.

What you’ll learn:

  • A variety of stitching techniques and simple patching
  • Beginner-friendly repair skills
  • How to mend a much-loved piece of clothing

This workshop is ideal for fixing broken seams, missing buttons, and minor repairs and will run from 12.30 – 3pm on September 25th in the Atrium of the School of Engineering (Z Block).

Sign up for the clothes mending workshop

Dr Bike session

A free safety inspection, along with gear and brake adjustment, all done in the spirit of sustainability and repair. This service includes brake blocks and cables when necessary. Each participant receives a safety inspection, and a detailed report on their bike’s condition.

This service is offered by the Bristol Bike Project, a member-driven cooperative focused on repairing and redistributing bicycles within the community. Their mission is to support people from all backgrounds in getting on two wheels, fostering an inclusive and empowering experience for all.

Free drop-in, 11 am – 3pm, School of Engineering (Z Block), Atrium.

Plans for prototype invention revealed at children’s award ceremony

Author louisacockbill | Posted on

On Friday 5th June, UWE Engineers revealed early plans to turn a young person’s winning design into reality.

The Leaders Award is a nationwide engineering competition (run by Primary Engineer) for young people to design inventions to solve a problem. UWE Engineering is one of the Leaders Awards partners in the South West of England and hosted this years exhibition of distinction shortlisted, highly commended & winning designs.

During the Awards ceremony, Hollie Lewis, Lecturer in Sustainable Project Management, presented plans for a UWE team to build last year’s winner Elliot James’ design, the “Smart shower”. Hollie is heading up the “Proto team” which includes Electronics Mechatronics Technical Team Leader, Steve Regester and Engineering Students: Erika Aiwekhoe, Ruth Cockroft and Naing Tun.

120 people attended the celebration event to congratulate the winners and take a look at the activities UWE Engineering’s Inspire Sustainability team had to offer. The exhibition remained up the following day for the Family Fun day, where over 900 people visited and took part in a whole range of hands-on activities.

Hollie Lewis, Proto-team lead, alongside Elliot James, inventor
Hollie presents at the Awards Ceremony
Award winners & their families viewed the competition exhibition
Elliot James and his proud family

“Smart Shower”

Last year, Elliot James, pupil at St Katherine’s sixth form, won the prize for best Year 12 design – you can see his original “SMARTH” – SMART Bath – design below. The UWE proto-team have adapted this design and are starting to build the Smart shower.

Elliot James Leaders Award design won the Year 12 category in 2023

More prototypes!

Engineers from GKN, headed up by Ian Gent, Research Engineer in Composites, also revealed a prototype machine that purifies water.

Dean of Engineering, Ramin Amali expressed at the Awards Ceremony how wonderful it is to have so many local young people participating in this Engineering competition and having their designs turned into a reality!

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