Inspiring the next generation: NDT outreach at Drayton Park Primary School

As part of BINDT’s ongoing outreach programme, Rebecca Mulholland, Outreach Coordinator, recently had the pleasure of visiting Drayton Park School in Bletchley during its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) week to deliver a day of STEM engagement centred on non-destructive testing (NDT). Perfectly located near the Red Bull Racing headquarters, Rebecca was also fortunate to be joined by Daryl Shearman, NDT Team Leader at Red Bull Racing.
The day kicked off with a whole-school assembly, where pupils aged 4-11 years old were introduced to the fascinating world of NDT. Rebecca and Daryl explained what NDT is, why it matters and how it helps ensure safety and reliability. It was a chance to demystify the subject and show how engineering is not just about building things, but also about making sure they continue to work safely over time.
The real excitement began when Rebecca and Daryl joined the two Year 6 classes for a hands-on workshop designed to spark curiosity and plant the seeds for future careers in NDT. Daryl brought an exciting industry perspective to the day, sharing his personal journey into engineering and how he applies NDT techniques to ensure the structural integrity of Formula 1 car components. His talk highlighted the real-world importance of inspection and safety, particularly in high-performance environments such as motorsport.
One of the day’s standout moments was Daryl’s live demonstration of ultrasonic testing (UT), using real equipment and test-pieces. The students were fascinated by the ability to ‘see inside’ materials without cutting them open, an eye-opening experience that brought science and technology to life in a tangible, relatable way.
Reflecting on the day, Daryl said: “It was a brilliant experience to be involved with as we look to the future with the next generation of NDT engineers."