Thames Freeport and Primary Engineer Renew Partnership to Strengthen Local STEM Talent Pipeline

Thames Freeport and Primary Engineer have announced the renewal of their partnership for the 2025/26 academic year, following an impactful first year that introduced nearly 1,000 pupils across Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock to hands‑on engineering.

The partnership forms a central part of Thames Freeport’s commitment to building a strong, local talent pipeline. As the region grows into a national hub for logistics, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure, demand for STEM‑skilled workers continues to rise. Through its collaboration with Primary Engineer, Thames Freeport is helping young people understand the opportunities on their doorstep and equipping teachers with the tools to inspire the next generation of engineers

A Transformative First Year

In 2024/25, during our first year together, the partnership provided the opportunity for 13 schools to benefit from a one-day CPD training course, supplied kit and resources to build up to 30 projects across two classrooms in each school and a celebration event to bring the schools together and celebrate the power of engineering. The classroom sessions allow for 60 pupils to build 15 Lower Primary shoebox tipper trucks and 15 Upper Primary Towers with an electrical circuit, working in pairs. The partnership also facilitated the opportunity to onboard 14 schools onto our Early Years Engineer Programme, engaging even the youngest learners.

Teachers praised the “hands-on” nature of the training, noting an immediate boost in their confidence to deliver STEM projects in the classroom and their pupils demonstrated a stronger awareness of engineering’s real‑world importance.

Expanding Opportunities for 2025/26

The renewed partnership will deepen opportunities for schools and pupils across the Thames Freeport region. The 2025/26 programme will reach new schools in Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock, giving a bigger cohort the opportunity to take part in the Primary Engineer Construction Programme and Early Years Engineer. Also it will facilitating the opportunity for 5 previously trained schools for Early Years Engineer to receive a continuation kit, meaning they can deliver the project again to a new class, deepening the impact in the school.

Pupils will have opportunities to meet real‑world engineering professionals, gain insight into careers pathways and develop practical problem‑solving skills through hands‑on projects.

For Thames Freeport, early STEM engagement is essential. As major developments progress and new businesses invest in the region, a skilled local workforce is key to long‑term economic growth. By supporting engineering education at primary level, the Freeport is laying foundations for the next generation of innovators who will shape the region’s future.

Through this renewed partnership, Thames Freeport and Primary Engineer continue their commitment to inspiring young people, empowering teachers, and building a flourishing STEM talent pipeline across the Thames Estuary.

There are still places available for local schools, register your interest for:

Early Years Engineer here AND Primary Engineer Construction programme here