AWE helps inspire more than 1,000 young people at Get Inspired Basingstoke 2026
More than 1,000 students from schools across the region stepped into the world of science, technology, engineering and maths at this year’s Get Inspired Basingstoke event, held at the Apollo Hotel on 4 and 5 February. The two‑day showcase brought together hands‑on experiments, immersive demonstrations and direct engagement with employers, giving students a unique window into future career possibilities.
Organised by EPB South, an education–business partnership dedicated to closing the skills gap, the event introduced 11-to 16‑year‑olds to employers from across the region. Students coded VEX robots, explored digital worlds through VR headsets, completed engineering‑based challenges and even experienced practical demonstrations such as CPR and liquid‑nitrogen science. These experiences helped students understand how curiosity, problem‑solving and technical skills translate into real‑world applications.
At AWE, we understand that every future engineer, coder or technician we inspire today plays a role in securing the UK’s safety tomorrow. Get Inspired Basingstoke is one of the many ways we invest in the next generation, ensuring they have the confidence, skills and opportunity to pursue careers that matter.
For many young people, the event broadened their understanding of what a STEM future could look like. More than 90% of students surveyed said they discovered career paths they had never encountered before – a reminder of how exposure and opportunity can shape ambition. As EBP South’s Chief Executive, Sammy Ward, noted, helping young people “see what they can be” remains central to the event’s purpose.
AWE was proud to sponsor this year’s event. Our mission to design, develop and maintain the UK’s nuclear warheads relies on extraordinary engineering, world-leading science and technology. Supporting early exposure to STEM helps strengthen the pipeline of future expertise that our national security depends upon.
Nearly 1,000 young people were able to speak directly with employers, gaining clarity on how the subjects they study today can become the engineering, digital and scientific roles of tomorrow. You can learn more about AWE’s approach to our local community here.
This year’s event was also supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, whose leaders joined business representatives for a guided tour led by EBP South.
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