MAK STEM Fest 202: Inspiring Future Innovators

On Wednesday, 25th February 2026, Machrihanish Business Park played host to the MAK STEM Fest 2026, an exciting gathering designed to foster interest and enthusiasm among local students for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The event served as a dynamic platform where students had the valuable opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, gaining insight into potential career paths and skills relevant to the STEM fields. 

There was enthusiastic attendance by 120 S2 pupils from Tarbert Academy, Campbeltown Grammar School and Lochgilphead Joint Campus. Each student had the opportunity to participate in a STEM-focused workshop, delivered by leading organisations including BAM Nuttal, Argyll and Bute Council’s Digital Learning Team and ABCAN. The workshops were designed to spark interest and encourage practical learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A bustling marketplace of STEM professionals was also present, comprising representatives from 25 local companies and organisations. This marketplace provided students with valuable insight into various industries, job roles and potential career pathways within the STEM sector.

This year, two senior students from each participating school were given the chance to undertake a site visit with BAM Nuttal and SSEN Transmission. The students visited the Crossaig Substation, gaining first-hand experience and a deeper understanding of real-world STEM applications.

The ALIenergy event is part of a wider programme delivered across the Mid Argyll and Kintyre region promoting STEM education and career opportunities. The aim is to improve  our local, young, skilled workforce. The ALIenergy STEM Education Programme in Mid Argyll and Kintyre is funded by ScottishPower Renewables through its Beinn an Tuirc 2 Wind Farm.  

Gillian Arnot, Senior Stakeholder and Community Manager at ScottishPower Renewables said, “Just over £1.3million has been provided to Argyll and Bute Council from our Beinn an Tuirc 2 Windfarm. 40% of the annual fund goes to ALIenergy to promote STEM education and renewables throughout Argyll and Bute.  

“We’re incredibly proud to support MAK STEM Fest again this year.  Events like this are key in showcasing the exciting career paths available in STEM and it’s great to see the enthusiasm and curiosity from young people in the region to find out more about these opportunities.” 

The success of MAK STEM Fest 2026 was greatly enhanced by the sponsorship provided by BAM Nuttal, SSEN Transmission and Siemen’s Energy. Their involvement not only demonstrated a strong commitment to community development but also highlighted the importance of industry collaboration in nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. 

Innes Mackintosh, Social Sustainability Manager, BAM UK & Ireland said, “At BAM UK & Ireland, we are incredibly proud to have supported the MAK STEM Festival for the past two years. Sponsoring this event is a fantastic opportunity to engage with S2 students and spark an interest in the next generation of talent. While we love inspiring future engineers, it’s just as important for us to show these students that our industry is diverse—not all jobs at BAM are for engineers, and there is a place here for every skillset." 

Rachel Glen, Assistant Project Manager at SSEN Transmission said,  “For the second year running, SSEN Transmission, through the Crossaig North 275kV Substation Project and working alongside our principal contractor Siemens BAM, was proud to support MAK STEM Fest. The event had a great atmosphere, with a wide range of engaging activities and organisations coming together to showcase future opportunities for young people. On the same day, we were pleased to welcome students on site, giving them the chance to see a live construction project and better understand how STEM subjects translate into real world careers in the energy sector.” 

Catering was provided by Argyll Bakeries and transport by West Coast Motors  

ALIenergy education team said  “We're delighted by the success of MAK STEM Fest 2026. There was fantastic engagement from the students and great attendance from local STEM employers. The team at ALIenergy would like to give a massive thank you to SSEN Transmission, BAM Nutall and Siemens Energy for sponsoring this event as well as running fun, interactive and engaging workshops. These were a huge hit with the students and teachers.   We would also like to thank our core funders ScottishPower Renewables for their ongoing support for ALIenergy’s education work. Finally, we would like to show our gratitude to all businesses, students and teachers who attended the event and made the day so special.”  

Market Place companies:  

Campbeltown Airport, Kilchoan Melfort Trust , DYW Argyll & Bute, Scottish Association for Marine Science  (SAMS), Bakkafrost Scotland, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network / ACT , Forestry and Land Scotland, The GRAB Trust, Renewable Parts Ltd, Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation, Tilhill Forestry, Scottish Fire & Rescue, J & A Mitchell & Co. Ltd, UHI Argyll, ScottishPower Renewables, Argyll and Bute Council , BAM Nuttall, SSEN Transmission, SSEN Sub Sea, SmartSTEMs, Royal Navy (Mine Threat and Exploitation Group), Balfour Beatty  

Workshops 

Every student attended one of the 6 workshops provided by: Scottish Association for Marine Science; BAM Nuttall; Siemens Energy; Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network / ACT; UHI Argyll; Argyll and Bute Council Digital Learning Team and the rest of the day was spent in the marketplace.

One participant said – “The activities there were really fun. There were lots of things to do and the marketplace was very interesting”