Introducing young people to engineering
Par, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Aim: To offer practical opportunities to people looking to access practical careers in engineering and construction (particulary young people).
MPower Kernow C.I.C. ("MPower") is a social enterprise dedicated to providing hands-on, practical skills training in Engineering, Construction and “Green” technologies. We expect to open our doors in September 2025.
In the Media
We enable novices to explore and experience hands-on technical occupations with an emphasis on trainees who benefit from an alternative to mainstream academic learning, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, or those with some neuro diversity.
Located at the heart of Cornwall’s rail network, the new training facility is easily accessible via public transport for people from around the Duchy and beyond to learn practical skills.
St Blazey is in one of the most deprived parts of Cornwall, which itself suffers from some of the worst deprivation in the UK; young people are growing up facing multiple layers of social, economic and educational disadvantage.
Collaboration
We launched our groundbreaking initiative in 2021 with the aim of addressing the chronic technical skills shortage nationally, while empowering local communities and passing on hundreds of years of accumulated technical experience.
We are working with a consortium of like-minded businesses - such as BAM, one of Europe's largest civil engineering companies. Richard Watts, Director for Rail at BAM, said; “MPower should act as inspiration to industry of what can be achieved to bring much needed skills and resource into this crucial yet demanding economic sector. Attracting and retaining young and new engineering talent is doubtless going to be an industry imperative and is singularly one of the biggest challenges of the next decade in engineering.”
“The help we have received recently, particularly from BAM, has been invaluable,” says Duncan Mitchell, founder and CEO of MPower. “They have given us significant financial backing, as well donating materials and providing professional support. However, to enable MPower to complete the work and enable young people under the age of 18 to access the site from September, we still require in the region of £80,000.”
We also work with schools, community groups, training organisations and government who are helping to shape the evolution of our facilities at the heart of Cornwall. Together we can provide skills for Cornish industry.
Historic Turntable
The St Blazey turntable is the magnificent centrepiece of the new training facility, which will offer practical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) education opportunities to people looking to access practical careers in the engineering and construction sectors. MPower expects to focus on children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Restored to working order by MPower in 2023, and opened by probably the world’s most famous locomotive, ‘Flying Scotsman’, the turntable has provided practical learning opportunities for young, inexperienced NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) volunteers, working under the supervision of highly experienced volunteer engineering mentors. Grade 2* listed by Historic England, the turntable represents a significant piece of Cornwall’s industrial heritage.
The turntable repairs won the prestigious National Railway Heritage Award for Partnership Working in recognition of our innovative collaboration with numerous stakeholders to return this important rail asset to operation.
A Vision for Change
MPower’s mission goes beyond skills training; it seeks to transform lives. Cornwall has a high proportion of young people classified as NEET, and is one of the most economically deprived areas in Europe. MPower will offer individuals an alternative pathway to success, combining technical education with real-world applications.
“There is a pressing need for vocational training in order to address the UK’s technical skills shortage,” says Duncan, himself a highly experienced, time-served engineer. “By introducing people to basic technical concepts and practical learning at an early age, we can spark their passion for engineering and construction, and build a skilled workforce for the future.”
A Proven Model of Success - case study
When Austin joined the project as a novice volunteer, he was not in employment, education or training (NEET). We provided initial training and facilitated his enrolment onto a level 2 engineering course. We provided ongoing work experience and he completed his course with distinctions. We then introduced him to a local engineering company where he is now a fully qualified welder and is studying fo an HND.
MPower’s approach includes collaborating with industry leaders such as BAM and training organisations such as Cornwall Marine Academy. Together, they plan to develop a full range of programmes, providing the initial inspiration for participants to consider a career in engineering. By providing incrementally progressive levels of vocational training, they can prepare students for careers in industries demanding highly skilled technical personnel.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 23rd August 2025 at 6:31pm