J+S Subsea is playing its part in promoting a career in engineering to the next generation.

They have just been announced as a sponsor of Global Underwater Hub’s 2023 STEM Challenge.

The challenge aims to engage pupils with an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects through an exciting, hands-on project and inspire them to consider a career in the underwater industry.

Supported by The Smallpeice Trust, teams of school pupils aged 13 and 14 compete against peers from local schools across the UK in six regional heats to earn a place in the national final.

Pupils are tasked with designing and building an ROV using Lego Mindstorms – a hardware-software platform that enables the development of programmable robots based on Lego building blocks.

This year, the regional competitions are being held in Bristol, Cambridge, Manchester, Port of Blyth, Glasgow and Inverness. The grand final is held at the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill on 14 June.

Business development director Lucinda Craig said: “With more than three quarters of previous students saying they would now consider a career in engineering, it was a simple decision for J+S Subsea to support the challenge.

“A career in subsea engineering is incredibly rewarding so it’s very important to us to play a part in spreading this message to the next generation of the workforce.”

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Global Underwater Hub, said: “Engaging with and inspiring young people about the important role that STEM subjects play in everyday life and their future careers is crucial.  The STEM Challenge competition allows us to do this throughout the UK, while also highlighting to this young audience the career opportunities presented by the different industries working across the underwater sector.  The support of J+S Subsea in delivering this year’s STEM Challenge is greatly appreciated.”