As we move into Year 3, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue inspiring the next generation of environmental, engineering and STEM professionals.
Together, Canal & River Trust and Education and Employers will continue creating meaningful encounters between volunteers and young people, helping more students understand the possibilities open to them and see how their interests and talents can translate into future careers.
With strong foundations in place and a growing community of volunteers, schools and young people, Year 3 promises to reach even more students and deepen the impact of this valued partnership.
Year 2 Highlights
Over the course of the year, the partnership engaged more than 7,000 young people across 76 schools through a series of inspiring activities, including:
- Virtual career insight events
- In-person career workshops
- The popular Invasive Species Challenge
- Volunteer-led sessions delivered through the Inspiring the Future platform
Evaluation findings showed that participation helped young people:
- Increase their awareness of STEM and environmental careers
- Better understand the world of work
- Broaden their aspirations and career ambitions
- Discover the diverse roles available within the waterways sector
Importantly, the programme reached a diverse audience, engaging students from primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, and special schools across England and Scotland.
Congratulations to the KS2 and KS3 Winners of our Invasive Species Challenge!
Earlier this year, pupils and students from across the UK took on the challenge of tackling invasive plant species, one of the biggest environmental issues affecting our waterways. 🌿
Through the Mission: Stop the River Invaders! (KS2) and Invasive Species Challenge (KS3+) competitions, participants developed creative, practical solutions to help protect UK rivers and canals.
We were incredibly impressed by the innovation, teamwork and problem-solving shown in the entries, from awareness campaigns to community action plans and innovative new solutions.
Key Stage 2
- 🥇 Hindley Green Community Primary School – STEM-related class trip worth up to £800
- 🥈 Ashwood Spencer Academy – £250 STEM resources voucher
- 🥉 Iqra Primary School Slough – £250 STEM resources voucher
Key Stage 3
- 🥇 Chase Terrace Academy – STEM-related class trip worth up to £800
- 🥈 South Axholme Academy – £250 STEM resources voucher
- 🥉 The Dunston School – £250 STEM resources voucher
Well done to every pupil and student who took part. Your creativity and commitment to protecting our waterways has been inspiring! Check out below for the winners and their entries!
How you can help
The Canal & River Trust manages an incredible network of waterways, and STEM skills are at the heart of keeping them safe, clean, and thriving.
If you have experience as a STEM professional, you can inspire young people by sharing your story with them. Show them the exciting careers available in science, technology, engineering, and maths, and help break down stereotypes about who can work in these fields.
We are looking from all people, from all walks of life, and levels of seniority – it’s this diversity and inclusivity that makes our workplace volunteers so different. Volunteering just one hour of your time a year makes a real difference – to you, and to students! Help them see how their skills can shape the future of the UK’s waterways.
