Young Engineers Shine at Worcestershire Primary STEM Challenge

Despite one of the hottest June days on record, the competition at Yamazaki Mazak's Green Technology Centre was even hotter as pupils from across Worcestershire gathered for the Worcestershire Primary STEM Challenge 2025/26.

Organised by STEMworks, the exciting event brought together Key Stage 2 students to put their creativity, teamwork and engineering skills to the test. Working in teams, pupils were challenged to design and build their own theme park attractions, transforming innovative ideas into working models while developing valuable problem-solving and communication skills.

The day was packed with excitement from start to finish. Students had the opportunity to explore the impressive Green Technology Centre, meet special guest Gerald the Giraffe, and present their creations to a panel of industry judges. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, with teams producing a range of imaginative and technically impressive rides.

The challenge highlighted the importance of STEM education by encouraging young people to think like engineers, designers and innovators. Throughout the competition, pupils demonstrated resilience, creativity and collaboration as they refined their ideas and overcame engineering challenges.

After careful deliberation by the judges, Dawson and Ernest from Eckington First School were crowned overall winners. Isabelle and Jessica from Aston Fields Middle School were named runners-up following their outstanding performance.

The event was made possible through the support of a range of partners and volunteers. STEMworks extended its thanks to Early Careers Worcestershire, West Midlands Safari Park, participating schools, judges and supporters whose contributions helped make the challenge such a memorable success.

With another successful year completed, bookings for the next Worcestershire Primary STEM Challenge are now open. Schools interested in giving their pupils the opportunity to develop their STEM skills through hands-on engineering and design activities are encouraged to get involved.

The challenge once again demonstrated that when young people are given the opportunity to innovate, collaborate and create, the results can be truly inspiring. As the students headed home with certificates, prizes and plenty of new ideas, it was clear that the future of engineering is in very capable hands.