A WORKSHOP aimed at encouraging children to pursue careers in ‘Steam’ subjects by utilising a popular computer game will take place this weekend.

The Minecraft fabrication workshop, which is part of ‘trAction Crewe’, will take place on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, at the old Lyceum Café, opposite the theatre.

Minecraft is a 2011 open-world video game that enables players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D procedurally generated world.

The event, which is a joint initiative between Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Council, is aimed at stimulating interest in new age of ‘Steam’ – Science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics subjects.

Children of all ages who attend the workshop will be able to recreate their favourite Minecraft characters, designs and constructions, using hi-tech coding and 3D printers.

The event is a joint initiative between Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Council. They have also partnered up with Crewe’s University Technical College, which is set to open in September.

It is Cllr Liz Durham, Cheshire East cabinet member for children and families, said: “This is a fantastic educational project, which will not just educate but entertain and stimulate our young people who may wish to give serious thought to a career in the ‘Steam’ disciplines such as science, engineering and design.

“The town of Crewe has a rich heritage in engineering and I am delighted that the new university technology college, which does not open its doors until September, is already on board, demonstrating that these careers and skills present exciting opportunities for our young people.”

Artist Gemma Latham, from the Foundation for Arts and Creative Technology, has developed the Minecraft fabrication workshop.

It is designed to challenge creative skills and enable the young participants to produce handmade punch cards that will turn their Minecraft images into three dimensional objects.

“We wanted to bring something new and different to the festival and felt that a Minecraft fabrication workshop would be perfect for promoting these opportunities,” Cllr Durham said.

“Minecraft is so popular with young people and must surely help to develop their skills and interest in engineering and design.”

You can join in the voyage of science and motion at trAction Crewe and keep up to date with festival announcements on social media by using the hashtags #trActioncrewe #Science&Motion #GearUp

For more information visit tractioncrewe.co.uk