Member Article

North East Manufacturer Walker Filtration Inspire Future Engineers

In recent years there has been a vast decline in the number of students choosing to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications, resulting in a skill gap in the UK engineering and manufacturing industry. 2016 winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, Walker Filtration, understand the need for companies to help reverse this trend and are committed to investing in the emerging talent of tomorrow.

’Walker Filtration is passionate about the North East and is committed to ensuring that the region remains a ‘powerhouse’ for British manufacturing. A crucial element to achieving success in manufacturing is investing in the talent of tomorrow - People are the heart of our company, without them, and without the right skill sets, we would not be able to continually deliver exceptional levels of service and world-class engineering that we do today.’

‘We place significant focus on activities surrounding engineering in education and helping the next generation to develop their interest and knowledge in STEM subjects and Engineering. We work closely with regional schools, colleges and universities to help develop talent in the North East.’- Lianne Walker MBE (MBA), Group Managing Director, Walker Filtration Ltd

Walker Filtration works alongside the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) and has recently completed a six month project with Newcastle Royal Grammar School as part of a wider Engineering in Education Scheme (EES). The project involved delivering a live project brief to a group of Year 12 Students, providing the AS-Level pupils with ‘hands-on’ work experience testing and evaluating compressed air filtration media. During the project the students were encouraged to demonstrate creativity, leadership and innovation whilst gaining extensive experience of problem-solving, team-working and project management.

‘I am delighted that our students have been part of such a high quality educational enrichment scheme. It is so important that students have access to opportunities that educate them in the wide range of career opportunities associated with STEM subjects. The invaluable work experience provided by Walker Filtration will enable the students who participated to make an informed decision about their future studies and potential careers in engineering.’ Patricia Gill, Physics Teacher, Newcastle Royal Grammar School.

The project culminated with a technical report and presentation to a board of assessors at Newcastle University. On completion of the project students attained the British Association (BA) Gold CREST Award.

Rachel Lambert (MBA), Design Engineer at Walker Filtration who worked with the students said, ’It was a pleasure to work with the Royal Grammar School and such intelligent and conscientious young adults. We were blown away by the quality of the work the students delivered and are delighted to be part of EES. It is so important that students have access to opportunities that educate them in engineering. Engineering is such a versatile and rewarding career path and this scheme allows the younger generation to experience this first hand. ’

Walker Filtration’s head office is located in Washington, Tyne and Wear. With over 30 years’ experience in the compressed air filtration industry, the business export 88% of their product to more than 100 countries worldwide. As a global outfit, the company have offices located in Australia, America and Japan. To find out more visit: www.walkerfiltration.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Walker Filtration Ltd. .