Step Forward: Engineering Students Explore Fusion Energy
Through the STEP Forward project, Engineering students at North Notts College are exploring the science of tomorrow. Working alongside professional engineers, they’re building practical skills, discovering future career paths.
Aiming to inspire the next generation of engineers, the project gives young people a glance at fusion energy in action. Students at the college have been working directly with engineers to co-design activities for local schools, giving them practical experience and insight into engineering careers. For those studying T Level Engineering, the programme provides practical experience that shows how classroom learning applies to real-world projects and professional practice.
Led by Dr Alison Buxton, Senior Innovation Fellow at the University of Sheffield, STEP Forward connects students with engineers and the wider community. Formed as part of the Maker{Futures} programme, the project is funded through the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Ingenious scheme. Partners include the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Bassetlaw District Council, and local education providers.
Speaking about the project, she said:
“It’s really important that children coming through primary school understand what fusion energy is and have a good idea of some of the opportunities and some of the things that are happening locally.”
“Working with engineers through this project helps students understand fusion energy and the supporting infrastructure, showing how learning connects from primary school through to university. Bringing engineers in also enriches the T Level course by giving students valuable employer engagement experience.”
Following the demolition of West Burton Power Centre, the STEP fusion plant is taking shape, creating new opportunities and supporting local economic growth. Funded with £220 million, the project will develop a prototype fusion reactor and demonstrate nuclear fusion as a clean, safe energy source by 2040. Local education providers are preparing students for future careers, giving the next generation the skills and experience to engage with this groundbreaking technology. Read more about the nuclear power plant project
Alongside these developments, STEP Forward activities began with an introductory session for students, followed by two full-day activity development workshops. During these workshops, students collaborated with engineers to create interactive learning experiences for primary schools.
One first-year student described the sessions as inspiring, saying,
“Hearing engineers talk about their experience showed us that there’s no single path into engineering. It’s not linear, and there will be challenges along the way.”
By combining practical experience, employer engagement, and community outreach, Step Forward gives North Notts College students a unique chance to develop skills, explore real-world applications of their studies, and contribute to future local engineering projects.
Find out more about Engineering courses at North Notts College