Pictures as inaugural electech festival brings a ‘Spark’ to Lancaster

Held as part of National Careers Week, the two-day event brought a real energy to The Storey, attracting more than 750 attendees including local schools, community groups, home educators and the general public.

The building was buzzing with crafting, coding, 3D printing, Micro:bits, and general robot fun, with everyone from six to 66 getting hands-on with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and maths).

As well as being supported by Lancaster City Council, the event was also backed by a number of local companies, organisations and groups big and small who helped make it a memorable couple of days that has set the blueprint for future similar annual events running under the Spark Lancaster banner.

Daniel Braithwaite, principal & chief executive of Lancaster & Morecambe College, said: "Lancaster & Morecambe College was delighted to attend and support the recent ‘Spark’ careers in science event. It was a fantastic opportunity to inspire local young people and showcase the exciting possibilities that electronics and STEM career pathways offer.

"As an anchor institution for the district, we’re proud to work with partners who share our commitment to raising aspirations and nurturing the next generation of innovators.”

Coun Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: "This event generated amazing energy and concentration: it was a privilege to be in the room with so many excited, engaged children and local people of all ages.

"Congratulations to all the businesses, volunteers, council staff and schools who made huge efforts to generate such an exciting event.”

Tech Lancaster plans to run further Spark Lancaster events in the future, including smaller pop-up events and visits to schools and community groups throughout the year to help all ages discover hands-on tech, have fun and provide inspiration.

To learn more, hear about future events or get involved, contact the organisers of Spark Lancaster via https://www.spark-lancaster.org.uk or follow on social media via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/techlancasteruk and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/techlancasteruk/

Formed by industry experts, Tech Lancaster (the organiser of Spark Lancaster) has pioneered skills, learning and outreach in electech in the Lancaster district and across the UK as part of the Government’s Skills for Life programmes to upskill and reskill high priority jobs in electronics and electech via Skills Bootcamps.

Operating under the motto ‘Created by industry to help build industry’, Tech Lancaster offers fully funded Skills Bootcamps and supports community events to help individuals of all backgrounds – from beginners to experienced professionals – develop practical skills and secure pathways into cutting-edge electech and tech industries.

For more information, visit https://www.tech-lancaster.org.uk