TeenTech is an award winning, industry-led initiative. Founded in 2008, by former Tomorrow’s World reporter Maggie Philbin and Chris Dodson OBE, the company aims to ‘inspire tomorrow’s innovators’ by allowing pupils to take part in interactive displays, across three separate event ‘zones’, led by leading industry organisations.
In the Innovation Zone, students were challenged to design their very own app. Meanwhile in the Insight Zone, there were opportunities to take part in mini-challenges run by companies including; the BBC, Trunki and Airbus, as well as industry giants such as Rolls Royce, and the James Dyson Foundation. In the Challenge Zone, students tested their ingenuity and creativity in a series of hands-on challenges organised by organisations such as the Bloodhound project, NCC, Active Robots and the debut of the Airbus Wing Academy.
Maggie Philbin, who was present through-out the day, said, “My years spent as a technology reporter, experiencing everything the industry had to throw at me, helped me appreciate the kaleidoscopic technology landscape and the myriad of career opportunities that are available at every level. TeenTech is an attempt to put this exciting world in front of as many young people as possible, exposing them to the possibilities that are out there for them.”
Steve West, UWE Vice-Chancellor, commented, “UWE is very proud and excited to have been part of the team that brought TeenTech to the South West. TeenTech is a fantastic way of exposing pupils to potential careers within the technology industry, whilst simultaneously allowing them to explore, learn and enjoy themselves.”
Head of Engineering at Airbus, Neil Scott, said, “Demand for engineers is growing world-wide and there are amazing career opportunities available for young people who choose to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects at school, irrespective of gender.”
“TeenTech is a great way to raise awareness of careers young people might previously not have considered, or known about, and inspire them to look closer at these options. If we are able to achieve this, not only will companies like Airbus benefit from the additional skills and talent, but innovation and technology in the UK as a whole, will reap the rewards.”
In 2013 TeenTech will run in 12 regions across the UK reaching over 400 schools and 4,000 students. All attendees will be invited to enter the TeenTech Awards, which are open to all teenagers aged between 11-16. There are prizes of £1000 in 12 categories and the winners will be invited to tea with TeenTech patron, HRH Duke of York KG.