Farnborough International Airshow 2024 – STEM’s Pledge

On the final day of the Farnborough International Airshow, our STEM team has announced an ambitious initiative to engage 100,000 students in STEM activities over the next twelve months. 

The number mirrors the current workforce of the entire UK aerospace sector, underlining the significance of this educational push.

Part of their efforts to engage and inspire students include a variety of hands-on activities, many of which will be available at the CAA stand at Farnborough. These activities help promote awareness of the aviation and aerospace sector, the variety of career pathways and the subjects that can be studied to help get there.

The STEM team will be onsite facilitating activities including:

My First Flight Computer: participants operate easy-to-use button-controlled programmable floor robots, with the aim of ‘flying’ them from one airport to another.
Jet Engine: a mini aero turbofan Jet Engine model kit that the team will display to illustrate a discussion on engineering.
Hydrogen Helicopter: a Lego resource featuring a motorised helicopter to help individuals learn how one works; this will be connected to hydrogen to demonstrate fuel alternatives.
Wire Lock: the locking technique that is used all over an aircraft to hold parts in place securely, attendees can find out for themselves whether they can twist for safety
Communication Puzzle: this aviation-themed Communication Puzzle is designed to improve the ability to exchange information and show the importance of clear communication.

Between 2023 to July 2024, our STEM outreach with young people engaged with more than 70,000 people – inspiring their future career choices in aviation and aerospace. More than 40 events took place in this time, including supporting our STEM partners, Jon Egging Trust, and Fantasy Wings.

Ben Alcott, Director of our Professional Services Group, said:

“Empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the aerospace sector is crucial, and our partnerships help provide young people with the opportunity to engage with STEM from a young age.

“By reaching 100,000 students as a new goal from here onwards, we aim to inspire future engineers, pilots, and innovators who will continue to drive the UK’s aviation industry forward.”