For the past four years, BE-ST has acted as an industry mentor through the Engineering Development Trust’s (EDT) Industrial Cadets programme, working closely with pupils from Woodfarm High School on STEM-related industrial challenges.  

The initiative has consistently supported diverse groups of young people, to explore pathways into design, engineering, and the built environment. 

Background 

The Industrial Cadets is a widely recognised, accredited awards scheme providing industry-based experiences on pathways through education to employment. 

Impact Manager at BE-ST, Kaye Keenan, shares, “The whole purpose of it is to create a talent pipeline of young people to go into the built environment or STEM related subjects,” offering early and direct exposure to industry practices, innovation, and sustainability. 

The programme has not only introduced students to sustainable and innovative construction practices but has also been an influential stepping stone in their academic journey.  

JP Murray, Principal Teacher STEAM Initiatives, says: “Here at Woodfarm High School we have adopted a pioneering approach to STEM education in the context of ‘Project-Based Learning’ where our innovation-curriculum aims to address poignant issues such as women-in-STEM, minorities-in-STEM, socio-economic barriers to accessing STEM opportunities and raising pupil/parent awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 27) – focusing on the right of every child to a standard of living adequate for physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development, with a significant emphasis on the affects environmental issues have on this.  

“At each level pupils also gain an SCQF accredited Young Stem Leader Award recognised by Further and Higher Education Providers.” 

Improving diversity in STEM 

BE-ST has mentored 7 Industrial Cadet Bronze groups from Woodfarm High School over the four years, supporting a total of 42 pupils: 32 girls and 10 boys. Of these, 71% identified as White Scottish/European, and 29% as from ethnic minority backgrounds. The initiative has had a particularly strong focus on engaging girls and underrepresented groups in STEM. 

In the UK, 35% of STEM students in higher education are women. During time working with BE-ST, 76% of the students who undertook the EDT programme were girls.  

The mentoring has sparked sustained academic interest, with students often going onto pursue design and built environment-related subjects. 

• 50% of participants have gone on to study design engineering subjects in S3–S6 
• 9 pupils have completed the Built Environment NPA 
• 9 current S6 pupils are now undertaking Higher Design and Manufacture 

BE-ST support 

Mentoring is delivered through a combination of school visits, online sessions, and visits to BE-ST facilities. Students typically participate in one-to-one mentoring and site tours, including factory visits and events like BE-ST Fest. 

BE-ST has provided valuable mentoring support to students at Woodfarm High School, helping to inspire and guide the next generation interested in construction and the built environment. Through one-on-one and group mentoring sessions, BE-ST professionals have shared industry insights, practical advice, and encouragement to help students build confidence and explore career pathways. 

This mentoring has given the students a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within the sector, including emerging technologies and sustainable building practices. By fostering these connections, BE-ST has helped students develop both their technical skills and their aspirations. 

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the mentoring programme has also provided personal development support, empowering students to set goals, overcome challenges, and engage more actively in their education and local community. This targeted support demonstrates BE-ST’s commitment to nurturing talent from an early stage and ensuring inclusive access to the construction industry. 

"When they come to BE-ST, it lets them see young professionals... it gives them an idea of what it's like to work in that area," Kaye explains. 

Award winners 

To date, every pupil at Woodfarm has been awarded 1 to 3 Industrial cadet Challenger Awards. Four years’ worth of Bronze pupils have seen success at the regional/national finals. Silver have been accredited by Royal Navy and EDT and Gold have won at the National Final twice in 3 years, with students gaining STEM graduate apprenticeships or STEM University Places. 

BE-ST-mentored-pupils in the Industrial Cadet groups have received ongoing recognition across multiple years. Their successes include: 

• National 1st Place & Teamwork Awards: 2022, 2023, 2025 
• Regional 1st Place & Teamwork Awards: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 

BE-ST has also supported S6 NPA pupils and Gold Industrial Cadet participants, facilitating mentor meetings and visits in 2023, 2024, and 2025. 

Another standout moment included one group of students meeting First Minister Humza Yousaf during the launch of the retrofit centre in 2024. 

In addition the programme has enabled Woodfarm to partner with municipal schools in Brazil and India where collaborative STEM projects have been ecologically focused and are on a year to year roll out. 

The benefits of working with BE-ST 

JP Murray, Principal Teacher STEAM Initiatives, says, “Underpinning these successes has been the support and mentorship of Kaye Keenan and her peers at BE-ST. This has been the backbone to project-based learning where Built Environment Design Briefs, site visits, industry speakers and collaboration at BE-ST fest have provided invaluable context to the pupils’ learning.  

“It has also enabled myself to produce an entire curriculum to deliver the NPA Built Environment course – now verified by SQA and approved by FE/HE institutions. This course focuses almost entirely on sustainability on the built environment and has led to several pupils following career pathways in the industry after leaving school.”  

“We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Kaye and BE-ST and hope to continue this in the future.” 

Sustained partnership and what’s next  

Woodfarm High School has continued to be matched with BE-ST thanks to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership. The teacher at Woodfarm High actively ensures BE-ST mentors return each year due to the positive outcomes and experience. 

The collaboration is ongoing, with future cohorts expected. 

Partners 

• Woodfarm High School  
• Engineering Development Trust 
• BE-ST