TeenTech the subject of event at MIRA institute
TV presenter and scientist hosted technology event at institute
A TV presenter and scientist has hosted a technology event targeted at young people at an institute outside Hinckley.
Dallas Campbell visited the MIRA Technology Institute (MTI) for a TeenTech Innovation Day, which was led by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.
Dallas specialises in engineering, space, geography and the natural environment and regularly presents Stargazing Live, the Gadget Show and the
BBC1’s Bang Goes the Theory.
Some 160 Year 9 students got involved with activities led by organisations including the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Triumph and Intrepid Control Systems.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council also collaborated on the event, along with other district councils in the area.
TeenTech was founded by former Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin to help young people understand contemporary career opportunities and the skills they will need to get involved.
The organisation encourages girls and students from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider careers in technology, engineering, construction and the applied sciences.
Ms Philbin, who grew up in Leicestershire, said: “We want to make sure that young people in this area really understand they can become the innovators of tomorrow.
“Our programmes not only showcase the very best science and technology but help students see how they might very much enjoy working in these areas.
“Making sure young people in the region have exposure to the fast-changing world of work is particularly important to me.
“The response from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, the MTI, the councils and the LLEP has been very positive.
“We’ve all worked together to create an amazing experience for young people.”
Students got hands on with the latest technology, took part in practical challenges with employers, apprentices and graduates, and learned how they could become the innovators of tomorrow.
Young people went along from Hastings High School, The Market Bosworth School, Redmoor Academy, Midland Academies Trust schools including Heath Lane Academy.
Bill Cullen, chief executive of the borough council, said: “This was a fantastic event offering young people in the area the opportunity to experience first hand the exciting opportunities in engineering for young women and men.
“The interactive workshops with representatives of businesses on the technology park gave them a real taste of innovation in practice.
“The council continues to work collaboratively with a partners through its employment and skills task force to widen the opportunities for careers for young people in the area.”
The MTI is an innovative collaboration between education and industry led by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.
It is designed to address skills shortages in the new disruptive technologies surrounding connected and autonomous vehicles and electric cars.