Providing an exciting and immersive learning experience for Star Academies pupils, the Future Engineers Academy will work across primary and secondary Star schools in the Birmingham region to deliver hands-on engineering projects, interactive workshops, and enrichment activities designed to spark curiosity and develop key STEM skills. Pupils from Small Heath Leadership Academy, Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham, Star King Solomon Academy and Starbank School will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of dynamic, engaging experiences – inspired by the formidable success of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team – that will support more Star pupils to become the engineers of tomorrow.
With a focus on increasing diversity and inclusion in the engineering and motorsport industries, the Academy aims to inspire pupils from groups traditionally underrepresented in these fields - including girls, ethnic minority pupils, and those from areas of social and economic deprivation.
The Future Engineers Academy will run from February 2025 until summer 2026 and will be delivered through three programmes:
- Spark (Key Stage 2): designed to introduce primary-age children to engineering projects and careers in an imaginative and exciting way.
- Ignite (Key Stage 3): designed to inspire secondary school pupils to understand and pursue engineering career opportunities.
- Accelerate (Key Stage 3): an exhilarating programme of secondary school after-school clubs and experiences which aim to provide deeper opportunities to develop STEM skills and knowledge, and motivation to pursue further study in engineering.
The programme will also offer a group of pupils a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 factory and meet the people behind one of the most successful teams in the history of motorsport. The team’s state-of-the-art technology centre in Brackley provides cutting-edge facilities for the design, development, manufacturing, assembly and operation of Championship-winning Formula One cars.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:
"Star Academies is thrilled to have the support of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, a world-class team whose dedication to innovation, education, and outreach will help us provide life-changing opportunities for our pupils through the Future Engineers Academy.
“This is a transformative opportunity that will open doors to a world of engineering and innovation that few young people will ever get to experience. Working alongside a Formula One team that has redefined excellence with eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships, is truly extraordinary. We believe that by engaging with such a globally renowned team, our pupils will gain unparalleled insights into the power of teamwork, cutting-edge technology, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It is our hope that this collaboration will inspire them to dream without limits, to believe in their potential, and to strive for careers they may never have felt attainable.
“Through the Future Engineers Academy, pupils will gain unique, hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of elite engineering, advanced technology, and high-performance teamwork. They will have the opportunity to learn from the very best in the field, hone critical skills, and witness first-hand how determination, collaboration, and innovation are the driving forces behind success at the highest level. The experiences gained through this programme will equip them with the tools, confidence, and vision to shape the industries of tomorrow.
“Together, we hope to expand horizons, fuel ambition, and engineer a brighter future for the next generation."
Enass Al-Ani, Executive Principal at Small Heath Leadership Academy said:
“At Star Academies, we are always seeking innovative ways to engage our learners, inspire them to aspire to greatness and to equip them with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“The Future Engineers Academy provides an incredible platform for our pupils to explore the exciting world of STEM and connect with a team at the forefront of engineering excellence. We are proud to be part of a programme that challenges our learners to think beyond the classroom, dream big, and envision a future full of possibilities."
Anca Raines, Chief People Officer at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said:
“It has been a pleasure to visit Small Heath and Eden Girls today and be part of the launch assemblies for the Future Engineers Academy. Feeling the students’ excitement and eagerness to be part of the Future Engineers Programme reinforces why the team are so passionate about introducing STEM subjects into classrooms from a young age. At the heart of this programme is the desire to capture the imagination of young students and I look forward to hearing how they take hold of this opportunity.”
With the first enrichment opportunities revving up next month, the launch of the Future Engineers Academy marks a bold step towards a more inclusive future in engineering by empowering young talent to pursue a range of STEM career paths.
When Mercedes’ drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli pull on their race suits for the first Grand Prix of the 2025 season in Melbourne, it will also be lights out for the next generation of motorsport engineers in Birmingham as they accelerate towards bright futures.