BAE Systems: Inspiring the next generation of Engineers

Hundreds of school children from across the south coast tested their technology skills at a TeenTech event in Portsmouth supported by BAE Systems.

The high-tech experience offered young people from 30 schools in the region the chance to discover more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) based careers by taking part in a variety of interactive exhibitions at Portsmouth Guildhall.

It was the first time the award-winning event has been hosted in Portsmouth. BAE Systems apprentices and graduates offered attendees an insight into what it’s like to be part of the Maritime division at Portsmouth Naval Base which provides ship maintenance support to over half of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet. BAE Systems’ lively exhibition stand included a ‘Docking Down’ challenge - using an electronic model, 12-14 year olds were challenged to navigate the docking down of a ship, a task performed by BAE Systems engineers at Portsmouth Naval Base before a ship repair and maintenance period begins.

Nick Sibley, Engineering Director at BAE Systems Maritime Services said: “TeenTech’s philosophy on inspiring young students to consider a career in science, technology or engineering is shared by BAE Systems.

“As part of our education and outreach platform, we run an extensive programme of activities including STEM fairs and STEM clubs in schools to help young people understand what we do and what career opportunities are available. We hope that by engaging these students in the early stages of their education, we can inspire them to carve out an engineering career path once they’ve left education.”

The industry-led TeenTech initiative was founded by Maggie Philbin and Chris Dodson in 2008 to help young people understand the career options available to them in Science, Engineering and Technology.

TeenTech hosts hundreds of events every year, each tailored to be relevant for the region in which they are held. The events are aimed at 12-14 year olds to help inform their decisions ahead of their selection of GCSE subjects.

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