News story

Sellafield engineering centre opens doors to cared for children

Children from across Cumberland with experience of care will get to try engineering activities at a special event hosted by Sellafield Ltd.

The Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence

The Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence, at Cleator Moor, will welcome 45 children to an event designed to inspire and empower young minds on Saturday, 11 November.

It’s the second time the centre has opened its doors to cared-for children following a similar event last year.

Under the guidance of the talented team at Sellafield Ltd, children will have the opportunity to engage in a series of group games and one-on-one sessions, tailored to their individual interests and needs.

The event aims to foster a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for the field of engineering, while providing a safe and welcoming environment for the children to explore their potential.

Claire O’Connor, socio economic lead at the Sellafield Engineering Centre of Excellence, said:

We are thrilled to once again open our doors to these bright and promising young individuals. Last year’s event was something all of the staff really enjoyed. Giving something back to the community is important to each of us and seeing how involved the children got and how much they got out the day was fantastic to see. 

This year we’re doing things slightly differently and are introducing new games and activities for them to try. Some of the children enjoy working as a team and others prefer to work individually, so we’ve made sure we can cater for all of them. Really we just want them to have a fantastic day out. If it sparks an interest in engineering that’s an added bonus.

During their visit, the children will have the chance to immerse themselves in a variety of exciting activities, including building robots, creating go-karts, and experiencing the exhilaration of the drone simulator. 

Through these hands-on experiences, Sellafield Ltd aims to inspire a lifelong passion for innovation and problem-solving among the participating children, encouraging them to believe in their own capabilities and potential.

Councillor Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council and Executive Member for Children, Family Wellbeing and Housing, said:

This event is a testament to the commitment of Sellafield Ltd’s Engineering Centre of Excellence in fostering a supportive community for all children, including those with care experience. 

By offering them this unique opportunity to engage in interactive engineering activities, we are not only nurturing their creativity and potential, but also sending a powerful message of inclusion and support.

Published 8 November 2023