QinetiQ undertakes a wide range of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) outreach for school children with the aim of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. For the past four years, volunteers from QinetiQ have helped the Jon Egging Trust deliver their Blue Skies Programme for young people who face significant barriers to learning. The programme engages with those who may be at higher risk of becoming NEETS (not in education, employment or training) to discover career and life paths they didn’t realise were in their reach, and supports them into further training and employment.
The employer’s perspective
QinetiQ’s outreach programmes help build young people’s knowledge of careers in the defence and technology industry. As part of this, local teachers can join QinetiQ for a week to widen their understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers.
Teachers play a vital role in supporting and encouraging students throughout their education; being well informed about the range of career and further education paths is crucial to help them inspire students’ enthusiasm for their subject.
The STEM Insight placement offers teachers a real-world insight into STEM companies and a better understanding of the skills young people need to be successful in industry. Teachers can then share these messages with colleagues and enhance the learning experiences of their students. The placement lasts for one week, and schools are offered financial support towards the costs of participating in the programme by Project Enthuse.
The programme sees Physics, IT, Maths and Careers Advice teachers learning about careers in robotics, fibre optics and vehicle technologies. The college and QinetiQ also agreed on an action plan of how they’ll work together to encourage more girls to take up STEM subjects, promote apprenticeships and work together in the future to provide careers advice.
“As a significant employer of scientists and engineers, QinetiQ wants to inspire the next generation to consider careers in science and engineering. We want students to develop the mind-set, self-belief and skills they need to achieve their educational goals and enter the world of work.”
