Future Engineers Take Centre Stage at IChemE’s DiscoverChemEngLIVE Showcase
14th November 2025
On 13 November, IChemE hosted an exciting DiscoverChemEngLIVE showcase at its UK headquarters to mark Tomorrow’s Engineers Week. The event brought together 400 students aged 11–18 from local schools and colleges, offering them the chance to connect with a diverse group of engineers and scientists from leading employers and universities, and explore the wide-ranging opportunities in chemical and process engineering.
The event provided young people with an opportunity to find out more about studying chemical, biochemical and process engineering and the wide range of careers available whist trying their hand at some real-life engineering challenges.
The event showcased an impressive breadth of sectors — from water, food and drink, and energy to healthcare, research, and consultancy. Attendees connected with leading employers such as PM Group, Carlsberg Britvic, and McDermott, alongside dynamic university teams from Swansea, Teesside, Nottingham, Oxford, and Wolverhampton.
The event also attracted notable guests, including local MP John Slinger, Cllr Barbara Brown the Mayor of Rugby, and IChemE President Professor Raffaella Ocone, underscoring its significance in inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Jo Cox, Head of Young People's and Student Engagement at IChemE shared her thoughts: “We are so pleased to be able to run this fantastic careers fair for a second year. It is clear from the range of activities and demonstrations on offer that a career in chemical engineering offers a wealth of opportunities. It was great to see so many young people attending and engaging with the programme of events.
With the changes introduced by the DfE with regards to modern work experience and careers guidance, it is especially important for employers to support these types of events to help schools deliver their careers education strategies. On behalf of all the local schools that attended we are hugely grateful to the vast number of IChemE members who gave up their time to support the event.”
Dr Rachel Bibby, Director of Member Experience and Professional Learning also shared her thoughts: “I was delighted to see such a diverse range of employers and universities attending to showcase the range of opportunities available in the chemical engineering sector. It was great to see so many young people engaging with demonstrations and activities, and asking so many questions. A huge thanks to all the employer and academic partners who supported this fantastic event, and also to all the IChemE staff and members who volunteered to make the day such a huge success.”
One of the exhibitors, Natalia Bieniewska from Xodus Group, a Global Energy Consultancy firm, explained why they took part in the event: “We’re here today to encourage the younger generation to learn more about chemical engineering and to become chemical engineers. To show them that engineering is not just about a hard hat and a high vis, it is more varied than that and anyone is capable of doing it."
Teachers shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising how engaged and inspired their students felt. Many are already eager for more — and you can help make it happen. Join us in shaping the next generation of engineers by supporting future DiscoverChemEngLIVE events.
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.