Gatwick launches STEM roadshow
London Gatwick has launched a new initiative to take the airport to schools across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, with 15 schools from across Kent attending the first roadshow at Hadlow Rural Community School, near Tonbridge, on 28th March.
The roadshows are designed to give exclusive insights into the aviation industry and form part of Gatwick’s local engagement programme which promotes the study of STEM - science, technology, engineering and maths - subjects.
Over 500 pupils, aged between 13 and 15, attended the Kent event and took part in 12 different STEM-related activities such as marshalling in a plane and learning about the work the Gatwick team do on the airport’s land holdings.
The roadshows link the STEM subjects with relevant job possibilities at the airport and are a way of encouraging and nurturing talent for the future. easyJet, DHL and the Royal Aeronautical society also took part in the roadshow to help provide students the widest possible insight into the various areas of the aviation industry.
Paula Aldridge, Community Engagement Manager, London Gatwick, said: “We are delighted that the schools share our ambition to inspire young people to work in STEM industries. Our aim is to inform, invest and inspire and we have created this first roadshow with these three principles at the forefront of our minds.
“We are so grateful to Hadlow Rural Community School for hosting the event- we hope we returned their generosity by putting on a truly inspirational and successful event.”
Simon Harris, Enterprise Coordinator, West Kent Partnership, said: “The West Kent Enterprise Adviser Network is delighted that Gatwick agreed to come across to West Kent and deliver this exceptional event. It was great to see people who love their jobs telling more than 600 young people why they do so.
“We have already heard from some of the schools and they were greatly impressed with the interactive nature of the event and report that a number of students now have fresh and exciting new career aspirations.”
Mark Nichols, Director of Standards and English Teacher, Hadlow Rural Community School said before the event: “I’ve worked in schools for nigh on 10 years – to host an event such as this is beyond precedent. The benefits to be had by pupils attending will be huge.”