BBC Inside Out and Bang Goes The Theory presenter Maggie Philbin has said she is ‘delighted’ Loughborough College will be involved in a major event today.
The science and technology broadcaster’s award-winning, industry-led Teen Tech initiative arrives at De Montfort University, Leicester with more than 200 young people taking part in experiments and challenges with engineers and scientists from local, national and international companies.
Students from the pioneering space programmes launched by Loughborough College, in association with the National Space Academy and the University of Leicester, will be on hand to talk about the opportunities offered by these first-in-the-UK programmes.
Maggie Philbin said: “At TeenTech students from schools across Leicestershire will have the opportunity to get hands on with the industries of the future and understand more about the skills they will need to be part of them.
“I'm delighted that Loughborough College will be showcasing the space programmes.
“Many students may never have considered a career in this sector, believing it to be out of their reach or that the only opportunities are in the USA. But around 30,000 people work in the UK space sector and it’s an industry which is growing rapidly with terrific career opportunities at every level. I'm looking forward to finding out more too!”
Dr Martin Killeen, Head of Technology at Loughborough College added: “Our 16+ Space Engineering course and our work-based, Higher Apprenticeship in Space Engineering with University-level study, are leading the way in training for a sector due to grow fourfold in less than 20 years.
“These are unique and innovative programmes which give young people and industry employers outstanding opportunities.”
Dr Kierann Shah, National Space Academy Manager, said: “It is very exciting to be part of the Teen Tech event, which is helping make young people aware of the work available if they are studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects.
“We are so pleased that some of the Space Engineering students will have the chance to talk to the young people at the event about the range of exciting jobs open to them in the industry.”
Taking part in Teen Tech alongside Loughborough College and the National Space Academy will be companies including PepsiCo, National Grid and Hewlett Packard and JVC.