Dorset Innovation Park Fuels Big Dreams for Local School Students

Students from Bovington Academy and Bere Regis Primary School visited Dorset Innovation Park as part of the Start Small, Dream Big programme during Creative Careers week (18 to 24 November).

Organised by Dorset Council in collaboration with Dorset Careers Hub, the event aimed to inspire young people to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) and highlight the innovative employment opportunities available in our county.

The day’s activities took place at the BattleLab, where students engaged with cutting-edge technologies and participated in four hand hand-on challenges.

They had the chance to design clay boats and paper planes, play Segway games, and code in Roblox, all designed to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Local businesses based at Dorset Innovation Park, along with Dorset Council’s Digital Dorset team, led the sessions, providing valuable insights into their industries.

Councillor Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth attended the event and emphasised its significance:

“Dorset Council supports initiatives like Start Small, Dream Big to inspire the next generation and showcase the exciting career opportunities available in our county.

“By sparking curiosity and creativity in STEM, we aim to help young people dream big while supporting the growth of our local economy.

“Dorset is full of potential for future entrepreneurs and innovators, and it’s crucial we show our children that these opportunities are within their reach.”

The Start Small, Dream Big programme is a free initiative for eligible primary schools, backed by the Department for Education and delivered in partnership with the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, BCP Council, and The Careers & Enterprise Company.

This programme encourages children, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, to envision their future careers and understand the variety of jobs available

Claire Dunn, Project Lead for Start Small, Dream Big at the Dorset Careers Hub, added:

“This visit brought education and industry together to inspire young minds. By giving students hands-on experience with real-world applications of technology, we hope to ignite a passion for STEM and help them envision themselves as part of Dorset’s innovative future.”

The visit is part of Dorset Council’s commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing local talent, and supporting economic growth across the county. Through initiatives like this they aim to remove barriers and stereotypes that limit children’s thinking about their future careers, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to dream big.

For more information about the Start Small, Dream Big programme and how it supports young learners, please visit the Dorset Careers Hub website.