Manchester LEGO Robotics Bootcamp Inspires Next Generation of Engineers
14/04/25, 11:00
We're delighted to share the incredible success of our recent LEGO Robotics & Engineering Future Pathways Bootcamp! Held at Withington Girls' School in Manchester from April 8-10, this intensive three-day programme introduced young students to the exciting world of robotics and engineering through hands-on experiences.
The bootcamp, organised by ClickSafe Club CIC with support from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), welcomed participants aged 13-16, with an impressive 50% female representation – a significant achievement in a field that traditionally sees lower female participation rates. "Seeing equal numbers of girls and boys enthusiastically building robots and solving engineering challenges gives us real hope for a more diverse future in STEM," said Elizabeth Meshioye, ClickSafe Club's Director.
The programme delivered 15 hours of high-quality engineering education, achieving remarkable outcomes: Read event report here
95% of participants are now considering engineering careers
80% attendance maintained across all sessions
60% successfully completed complex robotics build & code challenges
40% have already signed up for weekly activities and the upcoming First LEGO League Tournament.
80% expressed strong interest in attending future bootcamps.
Day 1: Diversity Drives Innovation
Participants discovered how diversity leads to better engineering solutions through a health app design challenge. Working in gender-specific and mixed teams, they researched needs, built robot prototypes, and presented their ideas.
The results were fascinating:
Boys' teams focused on utility and functionality with a robot truck that tracks steps
Girls' teams emphasised engagement and personalisation with a cat-shaped reminder robot
Mixed teams created the most accessible solutions, including features for users with ADHD and mobility considerations
Day 2: Diving into "Submerged" Challenges
Students tackled the "Submerged" First LEGO League challenges, developing critical skills in:
Coding and programming autonomous robots
Building and iterative testing
Team collaboration with defined leadership roles
Structured problem-solving
Day 3: Exploring Engineering Futures
The final day connected technical skills to real-world opportunities:
Presentations on specialised engineering fields
Development of marine-focused innovation projects
Discussion of both university and apprenticeship pathways (with equal interest in both routes)
Information about scholarship opportunities
What's Next?
Following this successful bootcamp, we're excited to announce:
Weekly LEGO Robotics Club launching in May 2025
First LEGO League Tournament participation for interested students
Summer Engineering Bootcamp in Manchester and London
Autumn Community Outreach
Winter AI Bootcamp
"The enthusiasm we've seen from these young people has been incredible," said Paul Ofordu, Volunteer at the bootcamp. "What's particularly encouraging is seeing students who'd never considered engineering before now actively planning their path into the field."
Want to get involved in our future STEM activities? Contact us here or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
This program was made possible through support from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Withington Girls' School.