PUPILS from Bovington Academy and Bere Regis Primary School visited Dorset Innovation Park as part of the Start Small, Dream Big programme. 

The event aimed to inspire young people to explore careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) and highlight the innovative employment opportunities available in Dorset. 

The day’s activities took place at the BattleLab, where students engaged with cutting-edge technologies and participated in four hand-on challenges. 

Businesses based at Dorset Innovation Park, along with Dorset Council’s digital Dorset team, led the sessions, providing valuable insights into their industries. 

Richard Biggs, deputy leader of Dorset Council, said: “By sparking curiosity and creativity in STEM, we aim to help young people dream big while supporting the growth of our local economy. 

“Dorset is full of potential for future entrepreneurs and innovators, and it’s crucial we show our children that these opportunities are within their reach.” 

This programme encourages children to envision their future careers and understand the variety of jobs available. 

Claire Dunn, project lead, added: “This visit brought education and industry together to inspire young minds.  

“By giving students hands-on experience with real-world applications of technology, we hope to ignite a passion for STEM and help them envision themselves as part of Dorset’s innovative future.”