AN exciting interactive event called TeenTech Hampshire returned to Basingstoke for the fourth year running.

The aim of the day was to encourage teenagers to consider careers in science, technology and engineering.

Held at The Hampshire Court Hotel last Thursday, it was attended by 300 students from 22 schools from across the county.

It was organised by education charity Basingstoke Consortium which teamed up with TeenTech CIC – community interest company – headed by BBC TV’s Bang Goes the Theory presenter Maggie Philbin.

And it was supported by more than 200 business volunteers, including scientists and engineers, from companies as diverse as AWE to Virgin Media and Sony.

The venue was split into three areas – the Innovation Zone, the Challenge Zone and the Insight Zone, where companies offered hands-on demonstrations and challenges.

Maggie said: “Every year I say it can’t possibly get better than this, but it has this year.

“What’s special about TeenTech Hampshire is the level of involvement from companies in the region and also the fact that they are starting to talk about the impact that the event is making.

“And when you look around the faces of the young people here and talk to them and they say they’ve had an amazing time, then you know you’re helping them.

“It’s not only that you are helping them see there are these career opportunities out there, but those opportunities are right here in Basingstoke.”

Manning a stand in the Insight Zone, was senior development scientist Kathryn Connor, who works for biotechnology product development company Thermo Fisher Scientific, based in Wade Road.

She said: “As a local employer we want to promote STEM subjects in our local community and try and dispel those stereotypes of scientists and engineers, trying to get across to people that there are different routes into science as well – you don’t have to have a degree or be ultra clever – there are lots of different jobs.

“We are trying to show that science is clever, but not that complicated and actually anyone can take part.”

A firm that could not be missed was international gas and chemical firm Air Products.

“We always like to make a big bang,” explained Stuart Williams, who is an applications equipment manager, referring to the regular loud bangs coming from his stand.

Stuart who is based at the firm’s facility on Hampshire International Business Park, in Chineham, said: “It’s been fantastic to support science and technology to young kids at school.”

Among those who clearly enjoyed the Air Products stand was Callum Oakes, 14, from The Hurst Community College.

Commenting on the event, he said: “I found it very exciting seeing all these different companies and seeing what they are doing, especially Air Products – their stand was fascinating.”

Referring to a balloon filled with sulphur hexafluoride – SF6 – Callum said: “You’d never expect a balloon to feel so heavy.”

Katie Wade, 13, from Aldworth School, also had fun.

She said: “It’s been a really amazing experience. It’s opened my eyes to all the different careers that are out there.

“I think I’d like to be an engineer – this event has given me a step-up to think about what I want to do.”

Basingstoke Consortium chief executive Sue Riley was delighted with the success of the event.

She said: “Positive role models who work in industry are best equipped to inspire young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths and this is why TeenTech is such a wonderful opportunity for local schools.

“No-where else could young people gain access to such cutting-edge technology, aspirational business ambassadors and inspirational leaders.

“Hands-on activities not only help to bring learning to life for students, but help teachers inject reality into future lessons.”