14 Mar 2008 | Ref. 091/2008
LANCASHIRE, UK – BAE Systems, as part of its’ commitment to supporting the development of young engineers in the UK, launches a major schools’ roadshow today taking engineering directly into the classroom using actors and simple props. The company is the biggest employer of skilled engineers in the country.
It is the third year the Company has done it. And now new research, just released by BAE Systems, shows the tactic is working - massively increasing awareness and interest in a vital profession identified by many as key to continued UK sovereign capability.
Research figures released by BAE Systems this week show that, following its’ last roadshow for schools, 61% of children questioned said they would actively consider a career in engineering. This contrasts with a recent survey by the Engineering and Technology Board that reported only one in 20 16-19 year olds feel ‘well-informed’ about the subject and another survey by OCR Exam Board reporting that just 7 per cent of 13-16 year olds think science/engineering is ‘cool’.
Dick Olver, Chairman of BAE Systems, says: “Everyone knows that we need to work harder if we want to have access to a sustainable supply of home-grown engineers over the next decade. As the biggest employer of skilled engineers in the country BAE Systems, through its’ education programme, has now demonstrated that by bringing the career alive in the classroom, interest in the subject can rocket.”
The BAE Systems Education Roadshow has now visited over 355 schools and performed in front of 43,000 children. This year, starting today at Kirkham Grammar School, in Lancashire, the show will visit another 110 schools and play to 10,000 more children. The initiative by BAE Systems has won the support of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) which have both voiced support for the idea and called for others to follow.
John Cridland, the Deputy Director General of the CBI said: “For the UK economy to thrive in the future we need to build on our existing world class engineering businesses, not least in our aerospace and defence sectors. That means we need a steady supply of high quality engineers, yet school study of these subjects has been in long term decline. Engineering needs to be brought alive – and innovative schemes, such as that run by BAE SYSTEMS, help inspire young people and show them the doors that science and engineering can open .”
Dr John Morton, the Chief Executive of the Engineering and Technology Board, added: “Initiatives like this roadshow are just what is needed to engage and attract young people into an exciting and rewarding career in engineering, and I would encourage other organisations to emulate BAE Systems’ radical approach to help ensure that the UK has all the engineers and technologists it requires to meet its future needs.”
BAE Systems employs over 18,000 engineers in its UK workforce and has a thousand engineers in training. It also recruits 300 graduates a year.
The BAE Systems Chairman said: “While we recognise our responsibilities when it comes to a commitment to education, what I find frustrating is that, too often, it can be difficult for young people to find the inspiration they need at a vital time in their development.
He added: “As a nation I have no doubt that we could do a lot more to inspire our young people and give them a sense of pride and ambition when it comes to making a career choice. The question is, can industry and those it interfaces with, meet that challenge.”
This year’s BAE Systems Education Roadshow aims to gets young people excited about working in engineering by using innovative techniques including theatre and interactive workshops. It centres on a new piece of theatre called ‘Scrapheap Charlie’. The audience will be invited into the world of a young inventor who builds vehicles from recycled scrap in a hidden den. The performances will be followed by workshops in which young people explore what it means to be an engineer and how they might pursue a career in the field.
More information about the Roadshow and the Schools Challenge can be found at: www.baesystemseducationprogramme.com
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US$ $31.4 billion) in 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Simon Shrouder, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 852995 Mob: + 44 (0) 7793 423 453
simon.shrouder@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384719 Mob: +44 (7802) 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Issued by/on behalf of:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
