TEENTECH SURREY INSPIRES ONCE AGAIN - 2014

340 school pupils visited Surrey Sports Park in Guildford yesterday to spend the day with professional scientists and engineers and to learn about opportunities in science and technology industries.  The students, aged 12 to 13, were taught about career opportunities, ahead of making their choices of GCSE subjects.

At this year’s TeenTech event on Wednesday, activities included solving a forensics crime scene, running a production line and becoming a virus detective. Students could create digital art and see a planet show in an inflatable mobile planetarium.  There was an amazing range of 30 companies exhibiting this year including Virgin Atlantic, Sony, Virgin Media, Surrey Satellites Limited, Glaxo Smith Kline, Laleham Healthcare, The Pirbright Institute and Air Products.

TeenTech was set up in 2008 and is the brainchild of Chris Dodson, from the Institute of Directors (IoD) and Bang goes the Theory (and formerly Tomorrow’s World) presenter Maggie Philbin - who is also currently leading a labour-backed taskforce to look at the IT skills shortage in the country’s workforce.  The event is industry-led and run in conjunction with Surrey educational charity SATRO.

Maggie Philbin said "It's fantastic to see the enthusiasm for TeenTech in Surrey from young people, their teachers and the supporting companies. It's never been more important for young people to be well informed about career opportunities and the different pathways which lead to them. Many students at TeenTech surprise themselves with new found interest in science and technology and then want to take a closer look at industries they may previously have dismissed as 'not for them" 

David Leyshon, Managing Director of CBSbutler said “’Young people today have a myriad of work options. If we are to attract them into STEM careers and thereby address the acute shortage of technical skills, it is vital to stimulate their interest and promote the fantastic opportunities.  That is why CBSbutler is proud to support the efforts of SATRO and TeenTech in achieving these aims.’’

We know the students really enjoyed the day and that it made a huge difference:

In the morning 56% were fairly or very interested in becoming a scientist compared to 75% at the end of the day

In the morning 49% were fairly or very interested in becoming an engineer compared to 68% at the end of the day

72% arrived thinking that people working in STEM were clever interesting and well paid compared to 87% who left the event feeling that way

So a very significant shift in attitudes, which is what we are trying to achieve!

#InspireTomorrowsInnovators

#TEENTECHSURREY - Key Sponsor & Exhibitor - CBSbutler

CBSbutler is one of the headline sponsors for our #TeenTechSurrey event, having supported it in both 2012 and 2013. In addition, they have been providing headline support to SATRO’s Summer Science Festival for several years. CBSbutler are therefore enabling over 800 young people a year to be inspired by science, technology, engineering and maths.

CBSbutler is a specialist recruitment company which covers the complete spectrum of technical and functional job disciplines for engineering, manufacturing and technology-based organisations.

David Leyshon, Managing Director, CBSbutler says, “ If we are to stand any chance in addressing the growing shortages in UK engineers and scientists, it is vital that we first address things at grass roots level. High profile events and stimulating challenges are invaluable in building young peoples’ enthusiasm and interest in STEM, and in doing so influencing their subject and career choices. That is why CBSbutler is such a passionate supporter of charity organisations such as SATRO and TeenTech.” CBSbutler will also be exhibiting at #TeenTechSurrey – keep an eye out for their stand!