Gear Up Workshop
From £989
👇 Ready to Go Full Speed Ahead?
Gear Up is Bee N Spired’s high-energy engineering workshop where young people design, build and race their own mini cars while learning how mechanics and physics actually work.
Participants move through the full engineering process. They plan their design, build their car, test it, race it, then fix what does not work. It is fast paced, practical and built for young people who learn best by getting stuck in.
This is engineering you can feel, not theory on a worksheet.
Green Gears option
For schools and organisations with a sustainability focus, Gear Up can be delivered as Green Gears.
In this version, young people build solar-powered vehicles and explore renewable energy, efficiency and eco-friendly transport. They still design, test and problem-solve, but with a clear link to green innovation and the future of engineering.
Hands on. Forward thinking. No lectures.
How Gear Up is delivered
Standard delivery is a half-day workshop.
Engineering needs time. Young people need space to try things, get it wrong, fix it and try again.
During the session, participants:
- Design and build their mini car
- Test and race it
- Adjust gears and components
- Improve performance through problem-solving
Half-day delivery gives young people the chance to stay focused, work as a team and actually understand what they are building.
Shorter or full-day delivery can be discussed on a bespoke basis where appropriate.
Workshop Details
- 🕒 Duration: Half & Full days available
- 📍 Location: Delivered on-site at schools, youth centres, or community venues across the UK
We bring all materials and equipment – just provide the space! - 👥 Group Size: Ideal for 10–25 participants per session
Larger groups can be accommodated with staggered delivery or breakout sessions - 🎯 Age Range: Suitable for ages 11–16 (KS3 & KS4)
Can be adapted for older learners or post-16 settings if needed - 🔍 What’s Included: We provide all tools, materials, and build kits.
- 🔧 Delivery Style: Our workshops are hands-on, energetic, and team-based. Young people learn by doing—designing, building, and testing in small groups, with guided support from our facilitators. Each session ends with a fun race and space for reflection, linking learning to real careers in engineering and sustainability.
🌟Key Features🌟
- 🏁 Build & Race Mini Cars
Young people design and construct their own moving vehicles using real tools and components. - ⚙️ Mechanical Engineering Made Fun
Explore gears, axles, friction, and propulsion through hands-on learning. - ☀️ Green Gears Upgrade
Optional sustainability-focused session using solar-powered cars to spark conversations about clean energy and future tech. - 👨🔧 Workplace-Ready Skills
Learn resilience, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through practical challenges. - 🏆 Finale Track Race
End the day with an exciting competition to see which design performs best.
👨🔧Who Is It For?
- KS3 and KS4 students
- Alternative provision or home education groups
- NEET young people or those at risk of disengagement
- Anyone who loves building, racing, or learning by doing
- No prior skills needed just curiosity and a drive to build something awesome.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this workshop for?
A: Gear Up is ideal for KS3/KS4 students, alternative provision, youth services, and those at risk of disengagement. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity.
Q: What’s included in the Green Gears version?
A: In Green Gears, participants build solar-powered mini cars and explore how sustainable engineering is shaping the future of transport and energy.
Q: Can we run this as part of a larger event or theme day?
A: Absolutely! Gear Up works brilliantly as a standalone session or as part of enrichment days, careers fairs, science weeks, or creative learning events.
Q: How long is the session?
A: Standard sessions run between 4 to 6 hours. Full-day or extended programmes are also available.
Q: How do we book?
A: Email us at rees@beenspired.org.uk or use the booking form to get started. We’ll tailor the workshop to fit your group’s needs.
