The Young Engineer Summer Experience is designed to give aspiring engineers aged 15-18 a comprehensive insight into the engineering sector.
Hosted in London, this two-week programme combines interactive workshops, real-world problem solving, and direct interaction with industry professionals. Participants will dismantle engines, visit significant engineering sites, and engage in simulations that mirror actual engineering challenges.
This experience not only enhances technical knowledge but also boosts university applications with a valuable qualification in work experience.
Limited places available: register now to secure your spot.
This program offers aspiring engineers the opportunity to explore multiple engineering fields through hands-on experiences and career simulations.
Students will dive into areas such as aeronautical, civil, electrical, biomedical, and materials engineering, engaging in real-world activities like building models, data testing, and analysing failures.
The program is available in 1-week, 2-week, and 2-week Premium options. On the Premium programme, students will also receive personalised coaching, psychometric testing, and a Level 3 Award in Work Experience.
Those who book accommodation or a Premium package will also benefit from weekend social events, like scavenger hunts and a Gala dinner, provide a chance to relax and connect with peers and professionals.
‘Boeing Experience’: gain exclusive access to commercial aircraft alongside aerospace engineers and pilots at an airfield.
Explore supercar production and design with engineers from leading high-performance automotive brands.
Dismantle a petrol engine under the guidance of an expert mechanical engineer.
Design an aerofoil and test it in a wind tunnel with a Rolls-Royce engineer.
Apply structural engineering principles to build a bridge and test its ability to carry heavy loads.
Work as a materials engineer by carrying out metallurgical failure analysis and discovering materials science in action.
Pitch your own innovative engineering start-up in a simulated Dragons’ Den to a panel of experts.
Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points
Gain practical experience to strengthen your engineering university application and demonstrate passion and commitment to the field.
Have your work assessed to earn a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, equivalent to 8 UCAS points.
Complete an online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter.
Meet Senior Engineers
Learn directly from engineers working in mechanical, civil, aerospace, materials and other key engineering disciplines.
Take part in private networking sessions with professionals who may become valuable mentors or career contacts.
Career Coaching
Receive guidance on how to secure competitive roles in engineering.
Advice on subject selection, university applications, work experience and extra-curricular activities.
World-Class Universities and People
Experience student life at University College London (UCL), one of the world’s top universities.
Meet ambitious students from around the globe and build an international network of future engineers.
Design Your Own Summer Experience
Choose from the following programme formats:
First Week Only (taster experience)
Two-Week Experience (full programme)
Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks with enhanced benefits)
Accommodation options include residential or non-residential.
Residential students stay at UCL halls in central London, with meals, pastoral support and evening/weekend activities.
Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.
Week 1
Civil and Structural Engineering
Apply core engineering concepts to design a structural solution within realistic constraints
Build a weight-bearing structure in a competitive group task
Compete to impress judges and become the top-performing engineer
Aeronautical and Aerospace
Understand flight physics and design high-performing aerofoils with a Rolls-Royce engineer
Test designs in a wind tunnel and discuss results with aerospace specialists
Participate in a Mars mission challenge to design transportation architecture
The Boeing Experience
Visit an airfield and explore commercial aircraft with pilots and aerospace engineers
Rig and derig a glass fibre glider as a team
Work with engineers to programme a fly-by-wire control system
Materials Engineering
Isolate graphene and apply it to create functional electrical circuits
Conduct metallurgic failure analysis and produce a professional report
Receive expert feedback on your engineering analysis
How to Become a Successful Engineer
Learn key academic and career decisions from school to university and beyond
Build impactful applications: work experience, CVs and interviews
Receive coaching from professional engineers on standing out in the industry
Week 2
Enter the Supercar Studio
Access a major collection of classic cars and explore vehicle evolution
Disassemble a petrol engine with guidance from a mechanical engineer
Examine the shift from petrol to electric vehicle engineering
Engineering and the Environment
Explore sustainable design and its functional applications
Respond to a simulated climate emergency and design a group solution
Present to a sustainability expert and receive live feedback
Biomedical Engineering
Discover how biomedical engineers innovate in healthcare and technology
Conduct a patient case study and design adaptive biomedical solutions
Explore motion capture technology and prosthetic design with expert guidance
Electrical Engineering
Learn core electrical engineering principles and hardware–software integration
Design and code a robot buggy using Arduino
Understand and interpret electrical schematics
Networking Event with Engineers
Engage in a private networking session with engineering professionals
Ask questions and apply your newly gained knowledge
Receive tailored advice from experts in the field
Graduation & Certification
Celebrate your achievements over the programme
Receive an industry reference letter signed by professionals
2-Week Premium
Overview
Includes all Week 1 and Week 2 experiences plus 15 additional hours with professionals
Build a professional development portfolio and gain career insights
Assessment for Level 3 Work Experience Award and UCAS points included
Highlights
Attend masterclasses on CVs, LinkedIn, personal branding and Oxbridge/Ivy League applications
Complete psychometric and personality profiling to understand strengths and motivations
Compete in a strategy simulation and attend a private Gala dinner in London
Dates
This summer school has three intakes: 6th July, 27th July or 17th August 2026.
Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London.
Accommodation
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.
All rooms are single and en-suite.
“I sent my daughter on the Young Engineer Summer Experience. She came home full of confidence about her future. Some of the experiences she got just sounded out of this world, but more than that she was so complimentary about the staff – both the engineers and the organisers. I would highly recommend this to other parents.”
