THE world of science, engineering and technology has been brought to life.

More than 300 students attended the annual TeenTech Hampshire event at the Hampshire Court Hotel.

The event, organised by the Basingstoke Consortium, aims to give students in Years 8 and 9 an experience of the contemporary world of science, engineering and technology.

More than 30 businesses exhibited at the event providing interactive activities, which gave young people a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of work.

The event, which took place on June 13, was split into different zones for the students to experience.

For example, in the Insight Zone students had to safely land a plane with Farnborough Aerospace Consortium by using a simulator with controls for students to operate whilst watching a screen. In the Challenge Zone students were split into two teams, to build a ‘launchpad’ structure, given limited materials and time with Symantec.

Tracey Tatam, project officer for TeenTech Hampshire, said, “Events like TeenTech Hampshire that inspire young people in the right way at the right time in their lives can improve their potential career outcomes and reduce their chance of being NEET.

“TeenTech Hampshire is aimed at inspiring young people before they make their GCSE choices. It is a crucial point in which businesses need to make sure that young people are taking up the right subjects and will have the right skills for careers in their industry.”

The event also gave Basingstoke businesses the opportunity to proactively work with young people to reduce the skills shortage in the STEM subjects.

Greg McNally, early careers manager for AWE added: “To see the enthusiasm and ability of young people first hand gives me the reassurance that the future is in safe hands.”