London Gatwick has recently unveiled its new STEM centre, aimed at inspiring local children to pursue careers related to the airport industry. The centre aims to provide a platform for young minds to explore and develop their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By offering a range of interactive and educational activities, the centre aims to ignite curiosity and passion among children, encouraging them to consider the diverse and exciting opportunities available in the airport sector.
Features of the STEM Centre
London Gatwick Airport has recently launched a new Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) centre, which provides a unique opportunity for school children in the South East of England to learn and explore careers in these critical fields. The bespoke, hands-on space has been designed to engage and teach children aged between 4-18 years old about STEM and aviation.
Importance of STEM to Gatwick Airport
STEM is vital to Gatwick Airport, with hundreds of career options available at the airport itself and the many partners who work together to keep it running. The STEM centre offers an array of fantastic and fun activities, including a water treatment lab, bridge building activities, an Archimedes screw exercise, and a mocked-up airfield rig that allows students to practice changing the lights along the runway under a time limit. There are also dedicated facilities for students with special educational needs.
Role of STEM Centre in Gatwick's Employment, Skills and Business Strategy
Skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths are critical to aviation and are recognised as a priority for education nationally. London Gatwick has a long track record of prioritising STEM in education programmes and outreach to local schools. More than 70,000 students benefitted from London Gatwick’s education programmes in the last academic year (2022-23), with a large part of those programmes focussed on STEM.
The STEM centre is at the heart of Gatwick’s Employment, Skills and Business Strategy, which shapes the future direction of the airport’s work in developing opportunities for the region. A diverse and skilled pipeline of local talent is critical to a healthy labour market and London Gatwick’s future growth.
Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy, said: “We are thrilled to be opening this brand new, specialist facility within London Gatwick. The STEM centre is a core part of Gatwick’s Employment, Skills and Business Strategy, which will provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism and new jobs.”
The specially adapted space, situated landside at the airport, will act as a one-year pilot to test demand and gain feedback from students and schools to inform the airport’s longer-term STEM education and engagement plans.
As Gatwick looks to the future with Northern Runway plans, the airport is enhancing its education outreach by delivering STEM engagement on-site at the airport with the aim to inspire and motivate young people to pursue STEM studies and airport-related careers.
Summary
London Gatwick’s new STEM centre is an excellent initiative that will benefit thousands of pupils across the South East of England. The centre offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about STEM and aviation in a hands-on environment, providing them with valuable skills that are critical to the aviation industry. As Gatwick continues to prioritise STEM education and outreach, it will play a vital role in developing a diverse and skilled pipeline of local talent that will support the airport’s future growth and contribute to the national and regional economy.
(This article is sourced from internationalairportreview and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
