Finmeccanica UK

The Big Bang

Selex ES knows that it's the ingenuity of its engineers that produces cutting-edge technology. That is why the company is involved in a wide range of events to enthuse young people about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); inspiring them to be the innovators of tomorrow.

 

The latest example of Selex ES's engagement came at the 2014 Big Bang Fair in Birmingham, where the company offered visitors a dynamic and engaging insight into its exciting projects. It was the third year that Selex ES had a presence at this popular event, and the company’s stand was once again hosted a broad range of employees, from senior management to apprentices and graduates.

 

Many of Selex ES’s apprentices and graduates are already engaged in community activities which seek to raise young people’s awareness of the excitement offered by STEM careers. Those on this year's stand discussed their involvement on technological programmes (some of which have been featured on BBC's Great British Year and Top Gear) and spoke to attendees about the opportunities that these types of careers can offer.

 

Edinburgh International Science Festival brings technology to life

In 2013, Selex ES celebrated 25 years of collaboration with the Edinburgh International Science Festival, an event which has become internationally regarded as one of the best examples of interactive, educational entertainment in the world.

 

The two-week festival hosts more than 100,000 children and young people who attended specially designed workshops that present science and engineering in a meaningful and engaging way.

 

The Selex ES stand at the most recent event was designed using production and assembly principles drawn from the shop floor. Children were given the opportunity to assemble Rampaging Chariot robots in the workshop area; test the resilience of their creations on an assault course, and then take part in a football tournament. By taking education into a relaxed setting, children can better understand the application of technology and how they can apply it creatively in their own lives.

 

AgustaWestland promotes engineering in schools AgustaWestland conducts a year-round programme of activities with around 25 schools and sixth-form colleges in the local Yeovil area to encourage an interest in engineering and promote AgustaWestland as an employer of choice.

 

‘Imagineering Clubs’ are run at the end of the primary school day to demonstrate various engineering concepts through a number of working models. AgustaWestland also has a key presence at the Imagineering exhibition at the Bath and West Show, displaying several hands-on engineering activities from the stand and running a ‘schools challenge’ competition.

 

In support of the science and technology curriculum, ‘Flight Packs’ of eight consecutive lessons on the principles of helicopters and flight are provided to schools. There are work experience opportunities for the older children; industry day presentations and careers fairs, open days and options evenings.

 

The company is also deeply involved with several related organisations, including STEMNET, which aims to encourage more young people to enter science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related careers; Connexions Somerset, which provides advice and guidance to 13-19 year-olds; and the Industrial Trust, which provides out-of-school educational experiences and many others.

 

Engineering our future

Finmeccanica had taken a leading role in a local project combining industry, universities and schools to illustrate in an interactive and stimulating way, the science and engineering principles behind subjects that students find most interesting.

 

This project was coordinated and conducted by young Finmeccanica employees that have successfully progressed in the business through graduate placements. It was delivered in the form of a workshop, in an informal environment, where key industry individuals offered advice and spoke on the positive societal contributions that science and engineering have made. It also provided a forum for students to discuss any issues or doubts that they may have.

 

Futures Day – Farnborough International Airshow 2014

At the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow, Finmeccanica, in collaboration with ADS Group, hosted a day dedicated to young people aged between 11 and 21. Finmeccanica welcomed some 400 students from schools, universities and youth associations across the UK who were given the opportunity to see the exciting career opportunities within the dynamic sectors of Aerospace and Defence.

 

Students who visited the Finmeccanica Village experienced an exciting tour and were able to explore Finmeccanica’s cutting-edge technology solutions on the Stand and Static Areas. From presentations and simulators to helicopters and aircraft, “Finmeccanica’s tour was interactive, inspiring and engaging” said one of the students. Feedback from students was extremely positive; they all enjoyed their visit and gained valuable careers advice.

 

“Futures Day is an amazing opportunity to motivate more young people to pursue a career in the Aerospace and Defence sectors and to demonstrate what makes a career in these key areas exciting and rewarding. I think they all really enjoyed the day and the experience Finmeccanica gave them,” said Martin Flavell, Vice President Human Resources, Finmeccanica UK.