Boeing to open discussions on STEM skill shortages
Sir Michael Arthur (right) will be speaking at STEMtech, the UK’s largest conference for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, taking place in London on April 29th. Other speakers include Siemens, IBM, OCR and National Grid. www.stemtechconference.com
Sir Michael Arthur, president of Boeing UK and Ireland, will speak to leading teachers, policy makers and employers to discuss the predicted technical skills shortage in the UK and what is needed to boost the engineering talent pipeline.
Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defence, space and security systems, with a workforce of over 1,800 employees in the UK, has a long history of corporate citizenship initiatives, including working with schools, youth charities and universities. One of the many projects it is involved with is the ‘Schools Build-a-Plane Challenge.’
The Challenge, co-created between Boeing and the Royal Aeronautical Society, aims to inspire UK secondary school pupils to continue with STEM subjects beyond school as they develop their career prospects. The project provides young people with the opportunity to build a real two-seater light aircraft from a kit and hands-on experience of the aircraft design and build process. With support from volunteers from RAeS and the Light Aircraft Association the Challenge gives young people an understanding of the scientific and engineering principles behind flight, as well as an opportunity to develop useful commercial skills such as project management, problem-solving, team work, marketing and communications, with the ultimate aim of taking a flight in the aircraft once it is complete.
“Boeing in the UK is proud of its strong record in encouraging young people to study STEM subjects and we are looking forward to showcasing our innovative Schools Build-a-Plane Challenge at the STEMtech conference,” says Sir Michael.
Tina Lucas is organiser of the conference, which focuses on the future of STEM education and the critical challenge of closing the skills gap. Ms Lucas says: “We are bringing together some of the best examples of Industry and education working together to tackle the skills gap and we hope that this will inspire others to do the same. We are delighted that Sir Michael is able to join us from Boeing.”
