QinetiQ inspires students at Farnborough HQ
Students from a number of local schools enjoyed a day at QinetiQ's Headquarters in Farnborough last week, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists.
QinetiQ’s dedicated ‘Schools Day’, now in its second year, supports local schools in encouraging young students to select STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, and future careers in these areas, by involving them in exciting air, aerospace and engineering projects at its HQ in Cody Technology Park.
The pupils, aged 11-16, enjoyed a range of unique activities at three of QinetiQ’s divisions; Space, Air and Optasense*. Their experiences included:
Space: a demonstration on what happens in a vacuum, the chance to see and touch real kit from a space station, as well as take part in an interactive computer mission to understand more about communication activities between Earth and Space.
Air: a visit to the Training and Simulation facilities to experience flying aircraft in the latest state-of-the-art simulators.
OptaSense: taking part in an interactive demonstration to learn about an innovative technology that turns ordinary optical fibre into thousands of virtual microphones along its length.
Leo Quinn, chief executive at QinetiQ, said: “It is vital to inspire the next generation into STEM related careers and we hope that by holding events like this we can show young people how exciting working in these areas, and at companies like QinetiQ, can be. At QinetiQ we pride ourselves on a team of people who really know how, and whose expertise can drive forward technology in the UK. Recognised as a company with world leading engineers and scientists, we hope we can help to inspire the next generation of people who know how.”
QinetiQ employs more than 10,000 people worldwide, with experts in defence, aerospace, scientists and engineers solving some of the world’s most important problems. QinetiQ has an established apprenticeship scheme, with many going on to become senior technical experts, leading or advising on ground-breaking projects in air, land and maritime. QinetiQ is currently recruiting a further 75 trainees within the next 12 months, adding to the 109 already in place on the four-year programme.
