“By bringing children across the UK face to face with real engineers and engineering challenges, I have no doubt that the programme will inspire many young inventors, creators and problem-solvers to take a closer look at the amazing ways they could shape the future as engineers.”

Hitachi Rail managing director, Karen Boswell, said: “We are absolutely committed to developing UK skills in order to grow our business and support the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

“To be able to give thousands of young people a chance to be inspired by the pioneering work we do at our factory and depots across the country is fantastic. STEM education is critically important and I’m thrilled that Hitachi Rail is the first train builder to join in a partnership with Primary Engineer to support the great work they do in our schools.”

Founder and chief executive of Primary Engineer, Dr Susan Scurlock, said: “The opportunity to work with Hitachi Rail using their trains and engineers to inspire children, teachers and the wider community has been incredible. We are very proud to be taking this project into schools and opening a whole new area of careers to young people.”