Abstract
The Children Challenging Industry (CCI) programme, created by the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC) at the University of York, has been helping primary school children explore the world of science and industry since 1996. This article looks at how the programme has impacted children’s attitudes towards science and industry, encouraging interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. By connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, the programme gives children hands-on opportunities, such as site visits to local companies and activities with STEM professionals (CCI ambassadors), to see how science works in everyday life.

This article provides an overview of the findings from the paper Children Challenging Industry: Improving Young Pupils’ Engagement with Science through Links with Industry, published in the International Journal of Science Education. The study involves 508 pupils aged 9-11 from schools in the North East and East of England regions. Drawing on data collected during the 2019–20201 academic year (Bórquez-Sánchez et al, 2024), the study emphasises the importance of introducing children to science and industry at an early age. Through questionnaires completed before and after the programme, the findings show that children gained confidence in science, developed a greater interest in STEM careers, and enjoyed learning through hands-on activities and visits to local companies. Interacting with real scientists and engineers helped children to understand how science works in everyday life, sparking curiosity and breaking down stereotypes about who can work in STEM. By fostering connections with industry, CCI shows how schools and companies can work together to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Practical recommendations for teachers and programme organisers are also shared.