Capabilities Beyond Engineering enjoyed a fantastic couple of days at Get Up to Speed as STEM Gold Sponsors, helping young people discover the exciting possibilities available through STEM careers.
The 2026 event, organised by The Work-wise Foundation, welcomed more than 5,200 attendees across the two days, including students and adults, with more than 70 exhibitors each day.
On Wednesday 18 March, the event welcomed more than 3,700 attendees, followed by more than 1,500 attendees on Thursday 19 March. With the main hall buzzing with students and exhibitors throughout the event, there was a fantastic atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for young people to discover different career pathways.
The CBE+ stand proved particularly popular, with students getting hands-on with engineering through an interactive crane activity.
Students were challenged to assemble their own crane before using hydraulics to manoeuvre it, pick up a chocolate egg and successfully drop it into a target. Once they completed the challenge, there was an obvious reward – they got to eat the chocolate egg!
It was fantastic to see how quickly the students got involved, working together to understand the equipment, solve problems and complete the challenge. The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity and practical problem-solving, while giving students an opportunity to experience engineering in action.
The enthusiasm and engagement from students was reflected throughout the event, with feedback highlighting the positive atmosphere and the variety of interactive activities available. Exhibitors particularly enjoyed seeing the main hall buzzing with students, meeting such a high number of young people in one event and hearing how inspired and motivated students felt after positive interactions with exhibitors.
One exhibitor even overheard a student telling their teacher that it was “the best school trip he’d ever been on!”
From interactive stalls and competitions to stage activities and hands-on challenges, there was something to capture the interest of students throughout the event. Feedback also highlighted how pupils enjoyed taking part in activities such as spin-the-wheel challenges, while exhibitors valued seeing students excited to talk to them about what they had discovered.
For CBE+, the event was a valuable opportunity to engage with the next generation and showcase the practical and rewarding career opportunities available within engineering and manufacturing.
Events like Get Up to Speed provide an engaging way for young people to experience STEM subjects in practice, helping them understand how engineering, technology and problem-solving skills can be applied to real-world situations. By meeting exhibitors, taking part in practical activities and exploring different industries, students can begin to see how their interests and skills could translate into future careers.
The CBE+ team would also like to thank The Work-wise Foundation
We provide unmatched production capacity and turnaround times.
We have an extensive range of highly equipped in-house inspection and testing facilities.
We offer technical consultancy to develop and deliver exact procedures to meet your specific requirements
We have some of the largest plating tanks in Europe.
Capabilities Beyond Engineering, Enterprise Drive, Williamthorpe Industrial Park, Holmewood, Chesterfield, S42 5UZ
01246 529014
