“The MacRobert Trust is proud to support the Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal, which exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration in engineering. Inspiring young people to engage with real-world engineering challenges is essential to nurture the next generation of creative and skilled innovators. Through our partnership with Primary Engineer, we are honoured to encourage curiosity, critical thinking and ambition amongst young people. Engineering is at the heart of the future and addressing opportunities at an early age is so important.”

Gillian Currie, Chief Executive Officer at The MacRobert Trust

“Primary Engineer is really special.  By connecting  young people to real-world engineering challenges we nurture curiosity, encourage creativity and build confidence.   Engineers are the ultimate curious problem solvers and Primary Engineer is inspiring and enabling young minds to see possibilities where others see challenges.  At a time when society needs fresh thinking and diverse talent more than ever this helps shape the next generation of passionate innovators, engineers and leaders who will design a better future”

 Paula Cousins, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Weir PLC

“Engineering and innovation drive progress – and sit at the heart of Christopher Ward’s DNA. That’s why we’re so proud to support Primary Engineer’s MacRobert Medal, which celebrates the creativity and productivity of young people across the UK. The prototypes are a powerful reminder of what happens when imagination meets engineering – a spirit that has long defined the UK’s inventive tradition. By helping to bring some of these ideas to life, Primary Engineer is doing a fantastic job to inspire the next generation to stay curious, think differently, and use their talents to make the world a better place.”

Mike France, CEO and Co-Founder, at Christopher Ward

Read about 2025 event here and view all the photos here.

Gold Medal, 2025

When 11-year-old Millie arrived at school in 2024 without her various coloured-lens glasses—an essential tool for managing her dyslexia—it sparked an idea. Rather than see it as a setback, she imagined a solution. That idea became her entry into the ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ Leaders Award Competition.

From there, the journey accelerated. Millie’s design was selected by the Thales Cheadle ProtoTeam, who worked alongside her to transform her concept into a fully functioning prototype. Unveiled in July 2025, her invention went on to win a Gold Medal at the Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Awards just a few months later.

In 2026, Millie’s story reached new heights—featured on BBC News North West, ITV Granada News, ultimately appearing on BBC Breakfast inspiring audiences far beyond the classroom. Then came a moment few could have imagined: her story reached Sir Richard Branson. Having spoken openly about his own experiences with dyslexia, he sent Millie a personal message, praising her creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.

It’s been incredible to watch Millie’s confidence grow alongside her success.

Silver Medal and Commendation Award Winner, 2024

Since receiving a Silver Medal and the inaugural Commendation Award, the ProtoTeam from Thales and pupil Rebecca Young have gone on to make a remarkable impact with their Solar Powered Heated Blanket.

Following their Commendation Award in November 2024, the Thales team set out to bring their idea to life, aiming to support vulnerable rough sleepers in Scotland. 35 blankets have been built and donated to Homeless Project Scotland, where they are being used to support 31 temporary accommodation beds in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Young – who first designed the concept at just 12 years old – was named TIME Magazine’s Girl of the Year. She featured in a global Lego campaign alongside other inspiring women and received international recognition from the press for her innovation. To crown these achievements, Rebecca was also awarded the British Citizen Youth Award in October 2025 for her outstanding contribution to the community.

Gold Medal, 2022

The SMA Jacket received a gold medal at the inaugural Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony in 2022 for its life-changing design: an exoskeleton jacket that supports the back and spine, giving children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy greater strength and the chance to live more conventional lives. The idea was created by Krystyna, a 15-year-old from Burnley, who was inspired by her cousin who lives with the condition.

Dr Matthew Dickinson of the University of Lancashire, lead engineer on the ProtoTeam, continued developing the SMA Jacket and produced several new iterations exploring the wider applications of exoskeletons. His work led to collaboration with ASTM International’s Exo Technology Center of Excellence, bringing together industry, healthcare, academia and government to accelerate safety and reliability standards for exoskeleton systems.

Dr Dickinson went on to found Viking Exos, a company developing state-of-the-art exoskeletons designed to enhance human performance, reduce injury risk, and transform the future of work and mobility. It all began with the SMA Jacket – and that innovation is now helping to change the world.