OutreachYoung WEIR-WISE: Discovering Engineering with S2 Girls
Discover engineering at the University of Strathclyde
Are you a female S2 pupil interested in maths, science, technology or how things work?
Young WEIR-WISE is a two-day programme at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, giving you the chance to explore engineering, meet engineers and find out what it’s like to study and work in the world of engineering.
The programme is delivered by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the Weir Group.
What is Young WEIR-WISE?
Young WEIR-WISE is an opportunity to spend two days on the University of Strathclyde campus and discover what engineering is really like.
You’ll hear from University staff, students and engineers from the Weir Group about studying engineering at university and working in the engineering industry.
You’ll also take part in hands-on, practical activities led by university staff and engineers, giving you the chance to try engineering for yourself.
You don’t need to know what you want to do in the future. Young WEIR-WISE is a chance to explore something new, develop your skills and find out whether engineering could be for you.
At a glance
- Who: Female S2 pupils from schools across Scotland
- Where: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
- When: January 2027
- Places: 200 pupils
- Cost: Fully funded
- Travel: Up to £300 of travel expenses can be reimbursed per pupil
- Applications open: 4 September 2026
What will I do?
During the programme, you will:
- take part in practical engineering activities and challenges.
- meet engineers from the Weir Group and find out about their careers.
- learn more about studying engineering at university.
- hear from University of Strathclyde students about their experiences.
- explore the different types of engineering and the careers they can lead to.
- work alongside other S2 girls from across Scotland.
- get a feel for what it’s like to be a student at the University of Strathclyde.
Who can apply?
Young WEIR-WISE is open to female pupils currently in S2 at schools across Scotland.
We particularly encourage applications from pupils who enjoy or are interested in:
- mathematics
- physics and other sciences
- technology
- problem-solving
- understanding how things work
- engineering
You do not need to have decided that you want to become an engineer to apply. If you’re curious about engineering and would like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.
200 places available
There are 200 places available on the Young WEIR-WISE programme.
Pupils will attend one of two two-day, on-campus sessions:
Session 1
- 11 to 12 January 2027: 100 pupils
Session 2
- 14 to 15 January 2027: 100 pupils
Successful applicants will be allocated to one of the two sessions. Both sessions will run from 9:30am to 3:30pm each day.
Please note
Unlike previous years, there will not be an online session in 2027. All successful pupils will attend Young WEIR-WISE in person at the University of Strathclyde.
What does it cost?
Nothing! Young WEIR-WISE is fully funded by the Weir Group.
There is no cost for pupils to take part, and up to £300 of travel expenses can be reimbursed per pupil.
The programme is non-residential, so pupils will need to travel to and from the University of Strathclyde campus in central Glasgow each day.
Getting to campus
Teachers do not need to accompany pupils.
To make travelling easier, mentors will be available to accompany pupils to and from the main transport hubs in Glasgow at the beginning and end of each day.
How to apply
Applications open on 4 September 2026.
To apply, pupils will need to complete the online application form, which will be available here and provide the name and contact details of a teacher who can provide a supporting statement.
Once the application has been submitted, the teacher will receive an automated email with a link to submit their statement online.
Important dates
- 4 September 2026: Applications open
- 12 October 2026: Teacher statements must be submitted
- 26 October 2026: Decision emails sent to applicants
- 11 to 12 January 2027: Young WEIR-WISE – Session 1
- 14 to 15 January 2027: Young WEIR-WISE – Session 2
What are we looking for?
We want to hear from pupils who are curious, enthusiastic and interested in finding out more about engineering.
You don't need to have lots of engineering knowledge already. Your application is a chance to tell us about your interests, what you enjoy learning about and why you would like to take part.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any other questions about the programme, please contact eng-weir-wise@strath.ac.uk.
An interest in maths and science is helpful, as these subjects are important in engineering. However, you don't need to be an expert or already know that you want to study engineering.
No. There are two sessions, with 100 places available in each. Successful applicants will be allocated to one of the two sessions.
No. In 2027, Young WEIR-WISE will be delivered entirely in person at the University of Strathclyde.
No. The programme is fully funded by the Weir Group. Up to £300 of travel expenses can be reimbursed per pupil.
Young WEIR-WISE is a non-residential programme, so pupils can travel to and from campus each day.
However, if you are travelling from further away, you may choose to stay in Glasgow overnight during the programme. We can reimburse up to £300 per pupil towards travel and/or accommodation costs.
If you choose to stay in Glasgow, you will need to arrange your own accommodation.
No. Teachers do not need to accompany pupils. Mentors will be available to accompany pupils to and from the main transport hubs in Glasgow at the beginning and end of each day.
That's absolutely fine! Young WEIR-WISE is designed to help you find out more about engineering and decide whether it might be something you're interested in. You don't need to have your future career planned yet.
Ready to discover engineering?
If you're a female S2 pupil who is curious about engineering and would like to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications open 4 September 2026
