300 students have a STEM-tacular experience at TeenTech

A tech-tastic time was had at this year’s TeenTech with it proving as popular as ever with 300 participating students from across Hampshire. AWE was amongst 24 high-tech employers at the event, encouraging young people to consider STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects and careers.

AWE has been involved with TeenTech since its launch and this year our STEM Ambassadors were on hand to help pupils with venturing into virtual reality (VR) and programming Spheros (small rolling robots). The 12-14 years olds tackled simple tasks wearing headsets in a VR environment and used coding to control the Spheros around a maze in the Challenge Zone.

The fun and interactive event focused on inspiring young people about STEM industries and challenging career stereotypes, with hosting from TeenTech founder, Maggie Philbin OBE, along with TV science presenter, Dallas Campbell.

Maggie Philbin OBE said “It was so wonderful to be back with an in-person event because the virtual events are great, but when you can talk to and meet all the students and the companies in person it is an off the scale experience. The thing which really impressed me is the creativity and curiosity of the young people who come along.”

Claire Lockwood, AWE’s Senior Manager Community Engagement commented: “We wanted to show how exciting a career in STEM is and our activities really got the students buzzing and asking questions, especially the Spheros. Our 20 STEM Ambassadors and apprentices did a great job on the day with their enthusiasm and know-how, as well as managing the preparations beforehand.”

This year’s TeenTech was delivered by Education Business Partnership South and held in Basingstoke. The attendance of tech businesses allowed young people to meet some of the leading-edge industries shaping their future, as well as trying their hand at a range of high-tech STEM activities including Lego Coding Challenge, Robotic Jousting and Fighting Cyber Crime.

Picture shows: Pupils from Brighton Hill Community School in Basingstoke using coding to control the Spheros at AWE’s Challenge Zone stand.