Inspiring the next generation at The Big Bang Fair
IGEM has been delighted to attend The Big Bang Fair 2026, joining National Gas Services and Skewb Ltd to engage with thousands of young people and showcase the exciting opportunities available within the gas industry.
As one of the UK's largest celebrations of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), The Big Bang Fair provides a valuable platform to inspire the next generation of engineers and encourage young people to explore future careers in the energy sector.
Throughout the event, visitors to the IGEM stand have been able to experience the gas industry in an engaging and interactive way. Using virtual reality (VR) technology, attendees were given a realistic view of a gas site, helping them gain a better understanding of the environments in which engineers work and the importance of safety across the industry.
Alongside the VR experience, visitors also took part in an interactive game developed by Skewb Ltd, where players helped an engineer collect 'skewbs' while identifying and avoiding potential hazards. The activity provided a fun and accessible introduction to key engineering and safety concepts, while highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available within the sector. In addition to this attendees were able to get hands on with a thermal imaging camera, which is used to detect gas leaks.
The event has provided a wonderful opportunity for IGEM to represent the gas industry, promote STEM learning and engage directly with young people who may become the engineers, innovators and industry leaders of the future. By supporting initiatives such as The Big Bang Fair, IGEM continues to play an important role in encouraging future talent and helping to address the skills challenges facing the engineering sector.
Kelly Payne, Professional Development Officer at IGEM, said: "It has been fantastic to exhibit at The Big Bang Fair for the first time. We have had lots of engaging discussions and are impressed by the curiosity, questions and genuine interest in STEM topics. We have really enjoyed educating young people on the greener future of the gas industry."
We'd like to thank National Gas Services and Skewb Ltd for their support throughout the event, and we look forward to continuing our work to inspire the next generation of engineering professionals.