Pupils get lessons in science from Prof Brian Cox

The North Star Science School event, organised by Well North Enterprises in association with The Work-wise Foundation, was held at Rotherham's Gulliver’s Valley and saw 12 businesses running workshops as well as delivering speeches with the goal of raising awareness of maths, science, technology, art and engineering.

In a virtual speech, Prof Cox called for more students to get into science, adding: “Here in the UK, we need more scientists and engineers.

“There are hundreds, probably thousands of potential careers, futures that you can choose.”

A co-founder of Science Summer School, he added: “The idea of the Summer School is to see if there is anything that people talk that interests you.

“Also, really importantly I think, it’s an opportunity for you to make connections with people in industry, people in universities, in colleges, apprenticeships — a whole range of things that you could possibly do.”

The Work-wise Foundation, which was founded in 2011 before registering as a charity in 2014, aims to support the development of young people within the Sheffield City Region.

Chief executive John Barber said: “North Star Science School is in its third year and this year we've had even more businesses and schools involved than ever.

“It was fascinating to hear from Prof Cox about the opportunities in science and technology as we aim to help shape young people’s career choices and give them the information and access to local, regional and global companies which could be beneficial to them in the future.”

Chief executive of Well North Enterprises, Lord Andrew Mawson, told the students: “Knowledge is power so absorb as much as you can.

“These are exciting but also critical times, as the UK strives to walk on the world stage.”

Business members from a variety of roles spoke at the event to giving an insight into the world of their industries as well as career paths that could be available to them.

AESSEAL PLC, working with Wickersley School and Sports College, and Barratt Developments PLC, joining forces with Brinsworth Academy, helped deliver workshops to the students.

Others businesses and organisations leading workshops included AMETEK Land, AMRC, Amazelab, CBE+, Forged Solutions Group, Harworth, Ibstock plc, United Cast Bar, UK Atomic Energy Authority and the Cast Metals Federation.

The North Star Science Event will return to South Yorkshire next year.