Pupils from Fordbank Primary school in Johnstone put their engineering skills to the test at the finals of an event organised to encourage more young people into science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) related careers.

Organised by the Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland (YESC), a project of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), more than 300 young people from 50 schools across the length and breadth of Scotland descended on the Glasgow Science Centre for the annual Celebration Of STEM event.

YESC joined forces with national water retailer, Wave, to create SCDI’s 2018 STEM Challenge, Don’t Waste A Drop.

It saw kits distributed to schools throughout Scotland and teams asked to design and build a pump and pipeline that can transfer water without wasting a drop.

Tony March, public sector manager from Wave, said: “Congratulations to the pupils from Fordbank Primary on undertaking our water-related STEM challenge.

“This event has been a great opportunity to show these talented young people the wide variety of careers open to those with STEM qualifications and get them excited about their future job prospects.

“We’re proud to have supported this challenge and to highlight not only the difficulties faced by water suppliers in keeping water flowing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but also to inspire the next generation of STEM recruits.

“Particularly within the water industry, we are continually looking for people with a STEM background as it is these people who are integral in our day-to-day operations.

“This is why Wave is committed to working with partners such as SCDI to help inform young people of the many different STEM career paths they can follow.”

Rebecca MacLennan, YESC’s programme director, said: “The theme of water conservation provides a topical context for pupils in schools across Scotland to develop their interest in science and engineering.

“Throughout the challenge they have developed valuable skills for learning, life and work while gaining a fantastic insight into the diverse range of career opportunities within Wave and the sector.”