Young scientists of the future to flock to University

Thursday 8 November 2012

Students will spend a day doing ‘hands on’ experiments and challenges with over 140 engineers and scientists from leading international and regional companies.

TeenTech kicks off at The University of Surrey Sports Centre on 14th November to show 300 teenagers from 30 schools across the South East that careers in science, technology and engineering really do have the ‘X Factor’.

TeenTech is an award winning initiative, co-founded by Maggie Philbin, the legendary presenter of BBC Tomorrow’s World and Chris Dodson, of the Institute of Directors who collaborated with technology companies and education, business and professional organisations to create an interactive event that is now going nationwide.

Academics from the University of Surrey will be on hand to explain and enthuse about their specialist subject areas. Dr Chris Bridges. Of the University’s Surrey Space Centre, will explain mobile communications and satellites, with Dr Jonathan Clark, of the Deportment of Computing will explore the idea of robots and technology.

While Professor Paddy Regan, of the Department of Physics, will describe fascinating aspects of the world around us about the primary colours of light.

Among the leading firms and organisations taking part are the BBC, BP, BT, BlackBerry, Google, Sony, SSTL and London Underground.

They are all determined to convince young people that acquiring the right skills can be the key to an interesting and well paid future career.

Research from previous events shows this carefully organised day helps teenagers think carefully about their school subject choices with an eye on future careers in the engineering and science areas.

More than two thirds of young people who attend these events say they would consider careers as engineers or technologists.

Maggie Philbin said: “At the beginning of the Berkshire event, only 40% of students were fairly or very interested in these careers but by the end of the day 81% said they were fairly or very interested. The event depends on a huge amount of good will.

“Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of key employers in the area working collaboratively with our delivery partners, SATRO and The University of Surrey this is set to be a day that changes minds.

"We are indebted to the University of Surrey, SATRO and the enthusiasm of all our participating companies who invest time and talent into developing outstanding activities which capture the essence of their industries. They are taking a long term approach and working together to inspire tomorrow’s workforce.”

Adam Oliver, BT, Head of Inclusion and Age & Disability Research Programmes, said: “TeenTech sets out a clear objective to inspire the next generation of engineers. This inspiration is created from real life situations with a hands-on approach for the students.

“BT is thrilled to be involved and to take our place in helping to make these events a success. Our apprentices will be involved at all the events, inspiring the students with what young people can achieve when they have both self-belief and an investment in engineering skills.”

Editors' Notes

Sponsors for TeenTech Surrey are:

University of Surrey
University of Surrey Sports Park
BT
CBS Butler
CPC
IoD
Cold Fuzion
P&G
Goss
Surrey Connects
Low Carbon London

This is the first time TeenTech has run in Surrey. The first TeenTech ran in the Thames Valley in November 2008.  The event won Best Engineering Event in Science and Engineering Week 2010 and in 2011 was the only UK organisation to receive a Google RISE award. Maggie Philbin and TeenTech have just been nominated for Best Outreach by UKRC/WISE (Women in Science and Engineering)
In 2012 TeenTech will run in nine regions, reaching over 300 schools