South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has been awarded £129,490 from The James Kane Foundation to fuel expansion of the We Can Engineer It project to primary schools in the SERC catchment area.
The project, made possible by the generous support of The James Kane Foundation, launches in June 2026 and will continue through to 31st May 2028, promising two years of inspiring innovation and hands-on learning for students and teachers alike.
First launched in 2021, the We Can Engineer It project has already made waves with its pilot schemes, championing diversity in engineering education and paving the way for girls and underrepresented groups to discover their potential in STEM. With The James Kane Foundation’s investment, the programme will reach new heights. Research and local engagement have proven that sparking curiosity about engineering in primary school is the key to building a more diverse, innovative future. By empowering teachers with cutting-edge training and creative lesson kits, the programme is set to transform classrooms into hubs of inspiration and opportunity.
The project will expand the pilot to all 105 remaining primary schools in the SERC catchment area over the next two years, with experienced STEM educators leading the effort. It offers primary school teachers outreach training and engineering lesson kits to support engaging classroom delivery focusing on design, building, and problem-solving skills aligned to the Northern Ireland curriculum. Workshops, practical training and resources, with collaboration from engineers and industry experts, will provide real-world context and in addition, the STEM Ambassador role developed early in the programme will be strengthened across SERC and local businesses to support ongoing STEM development in schools.
With The James Kane Foundation’s partnership, We Can Engineer It ensures SERC isn’t just teaching engineering – it’s inspiring the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers. Every primary school is invited to help lead the charge for STEM.
Michael Wilson, Chair of The James Kane Foundation, said: “As the demands of the future workforce continue to evolve, it is vital that we invest in education and skills today. Through this latest round of funding, we are supporting projects that not only inspire interest in STEM but also provide meaningful pathways into careers. Further to that, our focus on addressing educational disadvantage also ensures that these opportunities reach those who need them most, helping more young people across Northern Ireland realise their potential and contribute to a thriving, innovative economy.”
