Inspiring tomorrow’s innovators today
TeenTech returns to the Surrey!
TeenTech® , the award winning industry-led initiative aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists and technologists, has returned to Surrey today for the second year running. SATRO is proud to be running the event again which is being held at Surrey Sports Park, part of the University of Surrey.
Over 300 school students aged 12-13 from the South East of England are spending the day with scientists and engineers from some of the world’s leading companies – including P&G, JVC, Samsung, BOC and Virgin Media - giving them the unique opportunity to do hands-on experiments and learn more from those at the top of their field. This year the students have the opportunity to see a planet show in an inflatable mobile planetarium, programme robots, solve a forensics crime scene, run a production line, become a virus detective, or create some digital art amongst many other exciting projects.
TeenTech® is the brainchild of co-founders Maggie Philbin (BBC Tomorrow’s World) and Chris Dodson, OBE, Institute of Directors (IoD). It was founded in 2008 to enable young people to understand their true potential and to realise the many doors that can be opened for them through embarking on a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) career path.
Maggie Philbin, CEO of TeenTech comments: “It is important for companies to be actively involved in helping young people and their teachers understand what the real opportunities are in their industries, and the skills needed to take advantage of them. The commitment shown by all the companies participating is fantastic, showing how they are taking this responsibility seriously. It is not enough to moan about the skills shortage, we need to actively change the current perceptions held by teenagers and their parents about the future employment possibilities in the region."

Research conducted in last year’s event shows a shift in the participants’ attitude toward careers in science and engineering. When asked at the end of the day compared to the start if they would consider a career in science, there was a marked increase from 51% to 81% saying yes. Similarly with engineering this increase was from 48% to 79%. Watch this blog for the results of today’s event!