Category: News & Updates

Having talented individuals in STEM careers has allowed for innovation and discovery that is vital to multiple industries and sectors. Without these talented people, we would be pretty stuck, so it’s essential that we continue to encourage young people to explore and develop their interest in these types of professions.

2018 has been dubbed as the ‘Year of Engineering’, a campaign introduced by the UK government as the country faces a serious skills shortage in the sector. A huge number of organisations are involved in the campaign, from companies such as Boeing and Rolls Royce to armed services such as the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

The skills shortage is very real in the engineering industry, and this is particularly notable among women. According to surveys, only 23% of those in core STEM occupations are women, so it is important that girls are encouraged to explore STEM when they are young, ensuring they are given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

With this in mind, DiscoverE began the movement, ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’.

This year, this falls on February 22^nd and aims to inspire the next generation of females to enter into the engineering profession by providing resources and encouraging educators, parents and engineers to share their knowledge and experience, providing an opportunity for young girls to think like engineers.

So, how can you introduce a girl to engineering?

Show the Impact of Engineering

This is the perfect opportunity to open a discussion about how engineers can change the world. Ground-breaking inventions from the lightbulb to air travel would not have been possible without the engineers behind them.

There have been countless female engineers that have provided us with incredible innovations that have changed the world, from Mary Anderson and her humble windscreen wiper to Stephanie Louise Kwolek and her invention of Kevlar, which is used in bulletproof vests.

Without talented women in the engineering industry, we would be missing out on a huge number of inventions and innovations that have helped to shape the modern world.

Whether this is at home, in the classroom or at an after-school club, engineering activities can help to show young girls just how exciting this industry can be. Activities can be planned for girls of all ages, so you can help even very young children develop an interest in engineering.

You could challenge children to recreate famous landmarks such as Big Ben or the pyramids using Lego or Duplo or design bridges out of straws or lolly sticks. We’ve previously written about engineering activities for the classroom, giving you more ideas on how to make engineering exciting for children.

Discuss Engineering Career Opportunities

When young people begin thinking about their career prospects, STEM industries can seem a little daunting. However, there are a huge number of career opportunities within the engineering industry, with possibilities and prospects that young girls may have never considered before.

At European Springs, we do our part to provide young people with opportunities through our apprenticeship scheme. Our latest apprentices were visited by our local MP when he came to award them with certificates that recognise their achievements in Performing Engineering Operations.

We even created an infographic that helps to explain a little more about getting into a career in engineering which you can view here.

With such a huge variety of possible career paths within the engineering industry, young girls can be encouraged to explore all of their different options.

Introducing a girl to engineering now may help to shape the future of the industry as those girls grow up knowing that they have a place in engineering careers. At European Springs, we work to give young people their first step in an engineering career with our apprenticeship scheme. As spring manufacturers, we know just how valuable these young, talented individuals are to the future of our industry.

If you would like to find out more about our apprenticeship schemes or vacancies, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team by calling 0208 663 1800 or by emailing info.bec@europeansprings.com. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter where you will be able to keep up to date with the latest news about our apprenticeship schemes and vacancies.

The turn of the year signifies one thing: New Years Resolutions.

With a recent ComRes poll discovering that a hearty 38% of us will have promised ourselves to exercise more this year, it is no secret that gyms will see a sharp rise in memberships.

Joining the gym can be a daunting experience, and a problem many will endure is finding what type of exercise works for you.

Benefits of Resistance Training

A fantastic way to lose weight and tone up is through resistance training.

By applying resistance to muscular contraction, you build strength, endurance and increase the size of your muscles.

The degree of intensity can be altered entirely by the individual, making it an adaptable and effective way to work out in the gym. In addition, there are several ways that you can try resistance training, adding variety and versatility to your workout.

Take a look at this handy video for tips and tricks on how to implement resistance training into your routine.

Spot the Springs

A common feature in resistance training is the use of springs. Below are some examples of how springs can improve your workout.

Chest Pull Expander – A more obvious choice, as the springs used on a Chest Pull Expander are exposed. This versatile piece of equipment works by applying resistance to a variety of areas on the body, through a simple pulling motion.

Hand Forearm Grip – A smaller, yet still effective piece of gym equipment is the Hand Forearm Grip. Similar to the Chest Pull Expander, this grip works through the applying of pressure around a resistant spring, which is held in the hand. The grips are an effective way to train the forearm and can be used in a range of environments, from the gym to the office, to at home.

Shock Absorption Treadmills – Strenuously important when working out the joints is ensuring that minimal impact is experienced. This can be achieved with a Shock Absorption Treadmill, which includes springs in the belts, decks and shock systems. The treadmill operates in the same way as traditional machines of the same name, however, a Shock Absorption Treadmill absorbs any sharp increases in pressure, ensuring the rebound holds less of a negative impact long term.

Personal Trampolines – Providing rebound, springs are used on personal trampolines. The trampolines, which are sometimes referred to as ‘mini-trampolines’, inject fun into the sometimes boring workout, and again, reduce the impact on existing injuries or ailing joints.

Multi-station Trainer – The Multi-station Trainer uses Lockable Gas Springs to increase pressure,thus promising a more intense, and worthwhile all over workout. With several variations in exercises available, most multi-station trainers focus on one part of your body at a time, creating a multitude of possibilities in your routine.

Here at European Springs, we make and supply a variety of springs, wire forms and pressings to several industries; the fitness industry being just one. Did you realise any of your equipment required springs?

Contact us today to learn more about our services and products – the range of uses for our springs are in abundance.