More than 430 primary school pupils across England have taken part in a STEM outreach programme designed to showcase the vital role infrastructure and engineering play in everyday life.
Facilities management and infrastructure services provider Amey has expanded its BrightSparks initiative throughout 2026, delivering interactive sessions to Year 6 pupils that connect classroom science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects with real-world infrastructure.
The programme uses practical activities centred on technologies such as electric vehicle charging and street lighting to demonstrate how modern infrastructure supports communities and the UK’s transition to a lower-carbon future. Pupils are encouraged to solve engineering challenges while learning how infrastructure is designed, maintained and improved.
Alongside the hands-on activities, Amey employees share their own career journeys, helping young people understand the wide range of opportunities available within engineering, facilities management and infrastructure services.
The initiative has received positive feedback from participating schools since launching in 2025. According to Amey, 82% of pupils said they enjoyed the sessions, 69% reported an increased interest in STEM subjects and 60% said they would consider a future career with the company.
The programme reflects the growing emphasis across the facilities management sector on attracting the next generation of skilled professionals as organisations respond to ongoing skills shortages, digital transformation and the transition to more sustainable buildings and infrastructure.
Originally developed by Amey’s Highways Technology Services team, BrightSparks is now being rolled out more widely across the business. The success of the programme has also led to the creation of BrightTracks, a complementary initiative focused on introducing pupils to careers within the rail industry.
Emma Noble, HTS Social Value Advisor at Amey, said the programme helps pupils recognise how familiar infrastructure supports everyday life while encouraging them to consider careers they may not previously have been aware of.
