09 Mar 2007 | Ref. 075/2007
Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom. - How do you design Submarines of the Future? This is one of the topics which children across Furness will be discussing over the coming weeks as a series of new initiatives are launched by BAE Systems to increase awareness of and interest in engineering.
Today, to co-incide with the launch of the National Science & Engineering Week (9-18 March), it’s the turn of Cambridge Primary School in Barrow to get to grips with the subject as Peter Fitzpatrick, the Head of Product Development for BAE Systems Submarine Solutions swaps the boardroom for the classroom, to deliver an interactive presentation on the topic.
This initiative is part of a Cumbrian educational programme, developed by BAE Systems in partnership with the Royal Navy, Barrow Excellence Cluster Partnership and Cumbria Business Education Consortium, to promote the launch of the Astute Submarine on 8 June this year.
Peter said: “Presentations like this are a great way to promote lateral thinking, as children have such open minds. A nuclear submarine arguably provides a greater engineering challenge than the Space shuttle programme, so for future submarines the potential challenges are immense. I hope today inspires children in our community who could eventually become the engineers of the future, maybe working for BAE Systems.”
In total, eleven primary schools have signed up for the project and will be receiving presentations from BAE Systems and the Royal Navy on topics such as: The Launch Process and Life onboard a Submarine.
BAE Systems’ is a strong supporter of links with schools globally. Its UK education programme primarily targets 9 -13 year olds, with an annual programme of Schools Roadshows. Over the past two years, the roadshow has visited over 250 schools and 30,000 school pupils nationwide. The Roadshow includes an innovative theatrical performance designed to interest the pupils in science and maths and get them thinking about a career in engineering, before they make subject choices at 14. This is followed by a workshop activity, which is aligned with the national curriculum, and is designed o motivate and inspire young people and meet Design and Technology curriculum objectives.
In addition, over 350 BAE Systems employees (called Ambassadors) visit schools in the UK to support engineering projects and to give careers advice. A web site (www.baesystems/education) for both young people and teachers provides curriculum-related materials, runs competitions and gives schools the opportunity to sign up for the Roadshow.
BAE Systems is also the largest employer of advanced apprentices in the UK, with more than 1,000 apprentices in training at any one time. Apprentices train in a wide range of skills, from engineering, steelwork and joinery to business administration and information technology. Overall the programme had a 92% completion and retention rate. In 2005, BAE Systems received the Employer of the Year Award at the Learning & Skills Council’s sponsored Apprenticeship Awards. The Company also recruits around 150 graduates each year.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is a 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 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £13.7 billion pounds sterling (US25.4 billion dollars) in 2006.
For further information, please contact:
Marianne Buchanan, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1229 873422, Mob: +44 (0)7793 420176
marianne.buchanan@baesystems.com
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934 Mob: +44 (0)7801 718994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
075/2007
