Enhancing skills and training for those in Primary and Secondary Education

In 2020 The Sexcentenary Appeal Fund, managed by The Worshipful Company of Founders, took over the assets and funds of The Brunel Centre of Bedford. The aim of this transfer was to uphold the charitable goals of the Brunel Centre, which included:

  1. Providing and maintaining properties for vocational training and education programs.

  2. Supporting the training and development of young people with limited job prospects.

  3. Granting scholarships and bursaries to financially disadvantaged young people for vocational training.

To carry out these objectives a Sub-Committee was established. Below, you can learn more about our efforts in fulfilling these goals and the goals of the Sexcentenary Appeal fund itself.

Students learning robotics at The John Warner School, 2022

Our Education Sub-Committee plays a crucial role in distributing grants and backing projects nationwide, particularly those catering to the needs of young people.

Teaming up with The Harpur Trust, we're actively involved in the Bedford Giving project, aiming to enhance educational outcomes for youth and families in the Bedford area.

Additionally, we champion apprenticeship education at Bedford College, with a specific focus on motor vehicle engineering.

Through a significant partnership with STEM learning, we're extending our support to schools across the southeast, with plans for expansion into other areas of the UK.

In addition to our ongoing projects, we proudly sponsor individual sixth form students in three different schools, empowering them to enhance their skills, especially in Mathematics, and providing opportunities for personal growth.

We also support various projects in London, focusing on the mental well-being of young people and offering enrichment courses in metallurgy and STEM fields. Moreover, we acknowledge outstanding student achievements through prizes in Further Mathematics and Design and Technology.

One of our major initiatives, the Robotics Programme, is in the process of being expanded to other schools, benefiting a large number of students through participation in the Vex Robotics competition, fostering academic, practical, and personal skill development.

The Education Committee closely collaborates with the Industry Committee to further our mission. Our committee members also serve as mentors and advisers, actively engaging with various boards to support our collaborative efforts with partners.