The concern is that this gender bias in toy marketing is a having a ‘knock-on effect’ for the next generation of engineers, contributing to the shortage of girls pursuing careers in the sector. Playing with a wide range of toys enables children to build key skills such as problem solving, mathematical ability and scientific awareness – the foundations of any young engineer.
One company that is tackling the skills shortage head-on is Midlands-based, engineering solutions firm, adi Group. Earlier this year, the Group launched the UK’s first pre-apprenticeship scheme for 14-16 year olds, aimed at getting boys and girls interested in engineering at a young age. The long-term aim is to launch similar schemes to younger children, right down to primary school age.
The firm also believes that parents play a crucial role in developing fundamental skills and, in the absence of suitable toys, everyday objects can be used to create fun, stimulating activities. Here, Alan Lusty, CEO of adi Group, suggests a few ‘DIY’ games that parents and children can enjoy together over the Christmas period that will build core competences:
The cardboard box challenge
Give a child an expensive present and chances are they will show more interest in its packaging. Take advantage of this curiosity by setting children a challenge to create something new with discarded boxes, sticky tape, glue, scissors (with supervision) and felt-tip pens. Let their imagination run wild, or set a specific task to create – for example – a cardboard mansion, or a robot sidekick. This will teach children to identify problems and discover innovative workarounds.
The spaghetti structure
A more advanced version of the cardboard box challenge, task your children with engineering their own structure using dry spaghetti and a clay modelling compound such as Play-Doh. To make their creation stable and upright, children will need a rudimentary understanding of forces and motion.
The problem-solving treasure hunt
Put a STEM spin on the traditional treasure hunt by hiding treats along with simple mathematic problems or science-related multiple choice questions. These can either be used as clues to help them find the next treat, or the prize is simply given as a reward after they reason through the problem in hand. It’s a useful tactic to encourage children to complete their homework, too.
Children have a natural curiosity and nurturing this from an early age can help to create engineers, scientists and mathematicians of the future. Those currently in the industry have a responsibility to the younger generation, to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to drive the sector forward.
Author profile:
Alan Lusty is CEO of adi Group
