Solent Primary Schools’ STEM Fair: Revealing the real-world magic of engineering, coding and science!
On the 5th & 6th March 2026 EBP South’s Solent Primary Schools’ STEM Fair, held in partnership with Portsmouth Water, took over CEMAST for two exciting days of discovery. Over 200 students swapped the classroom to, dive into 25-minute challenges led by local industry experts. From racing custom mini-cars to cracking engineering puzzles, the energy was electric as young minds explored STEM career paths and were inspired about future careers.
For the businesses involved, these two days were about much more than building models; they were about building the future. By sparking curiosity early, local firms are igniting their recruitment pipeline years before a single CV is ever written. This event showed that when industry leaders step up to mentor, they can break down stereotypes and turn today’s childhood wonder into tomorrow’s professional powerhouse.
Hands-on exploration
The exhibits at CEMAST created an immersive STEM experience. Rather than simply learning about future roles, primary school students engaged with them directly through:
- Hands-on Engineering: Constructing bridges and towers using magnets, sticks, and even spaghetti and marshmallows.
- Eco & Sustainability: Discovering the water cycle, pedal-power a water pump, and build oyster reefs to protect our coasts.
- Robotics & Tech: Getting up close and personal with the future by interacting with and controlling Lego roving robots.
- Health & Medicine: Learning life-saving CPR skills and going behind the scenes to analyse X-rays and medical scans.
Sammy Ward, CEO of EBP South, emphasized the critical role this event plays in empowering young people in Fareham and the surrounding areas.
“Solent Primary Schools’ STEM Fair raises aspirations by helping young people to learn about different career paths. You can’t be what you can’t see, and this unique STEM event helps them see career paths that they may not have thought about.”
Bridging the gap between classroom and career
By blending high-energy fun with strategic future planning, EBP South is tackling the skills gap head-on. The impact is undeniable: over 90% of students discovered exciting career paths they didn’t even know existed until now.
The success of the two-day event was possible due to support from event partner, Portsmouth Water; sponsors, BAE Systems and Fareham Borough Council; and the support of CEMAST and South Hampshire College Group.
Portsmouth Water was keen to share their thoughts and highlight the importance of this collaboration:
“Portsmouth Water is delighted to be part of EBP South for another year. Our teams always come away feeling proud to have given something back to future generations, opening young people’s eyes to the wonder of water supply and the many teams and departments that work together to make water flow from the tap. Every year, our stand attracts friendly competition from students and teachers alike, all eager to see who can cycle the fastest to pump the most water. They genuinely can’t wait to jump on and give it a go, and we love seeing their enthusiasm!”
BAE Systems welcomed the opportunity to share their insights, emphasising the vital role this collaboration plays in supporting young people:
“BAE Systems Maritime and Land Defence Solutions are delighted to support this brilliant and inspiring event again, encouraging the future generation of STEM professionals. Our Lego Roving Robot activities were thoroughly enjoyed by the pupils; they developed many essential STEM skills such as creativity, teamwork and staying positive. We hope to see many of them again in the future as BAE Systems colleagues!”
Invest a day, inspire a generation.
EBP South
Inspire | Prepare | Connect
