Leading local airport ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturer Mallaghan, has marked the conclusion of its pioneering primary school outreach programme facilitated in partnership with MEGA (Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement).

Designed to inspire young people to consider a future career in STEM, students from St John’s Primary School Kingsisland were provided with the opportunity to gain further insight into engineering throughout the five-week programme.

Larissa Campbell, Production Co-ordinator at Coalisland-based Mallaghan, said:

“We are thrilled that this new, innovative outreach programme has been a great success, and it has been wonderful to engage with students at St John’s Primary School to help them learn more about the world of STEM and the opportunities it presents.

“Inspiring the next generation of engineers is crucial for the future of our industry, and we are committed to playing our part in nurturing young talent.

“Working in partnership with MEGA, we are looking forward to the future of this important initiative and to engaging with even more schools locally.”

With a focus on making learning fun, Mallaghan’s primary school outreach programme allowed students to take part in the engineering design process, encouraging them to develop their skills and creativity.

Following an initial visit to Mallaghan’s Dungannon headquarters, where they witnessed first-hand the importance of STEM in developing innovative industry solutions, students from St John’s Primary School were given the opportunity to learn more about STEM subjects.

Mr W Lyons, P5 Teacher at St John’s Primary School Kingsisland, said:

“Our students have thoroughly enjoyed the outreach programme, learning about the engineering industry, and gaining some hands-on experience.

“Having taken part in this initiative, many of our students have expressed a desire to learn more about STEM subjects, and I would like to thank Mallaghan and MEGA for facilitating the very worthwhile workshops and lessons which have helped to broaden their horizons.”

As the first company to develop and deliver such a programme, Mallaghan has set a precedent for over 50 manufacturing companies within the MEGA network.

Elita Frid, Education and Industry Engagement Manager at MEGA, added:

“It is great to see a local company understanding the importance of inspiring students from a young age, and we were pleased to assist in getting this pioneering programme off the ground.

“We hope that the success of this initiative will encourage more businesses within the STEM sector to follow Mallaghan’s lead.”

Mallaghan’s innovative products are sold in more than 100 countries across the world with clients including Aer Lingus, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, easyJet, Emirates, Etihad, Menzies Aviation, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, SAS and Swissport.