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OONAGH BLACKMAN WRITER AND BROADCASTER
Tech City businesses back STEM skills drive
A NUMBER OF leading technology companies, including Facebook, Intel, BlackBerry and Cisco, have launched a series of initiatives to inspire young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. An event, hosted by the Tech City Investment Organisation (TCIO) at Central Foundation Girls’ School in London’s Tower Hamlets, showcased the latest innovations emerging from Tech City and the value of technology as a career path. More than 50 students, local Tech City organisations such as PlayMob and Apps For Good, and national programme HE STEM took part. David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: “Technology and digital companies will play a central role in securing our economic future. It is crucial that students are aware of opportunities to build careers in these sectors, and are equipped with the skills employers need to succeed. By introducing young people to local job opportunities and supporting private-sector schemes that focus on STEM skills development, this initiative will promote opportunity and foster growth.” Eric van der Kleij, CEO of TCIO, said: “Since November 2010, we’ve seen a
By the numbers: AEROSPACE
AEROSPACE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST VALUE- ADDING SECTORS in the UK, supporting up to 70,000 jo bs and contributing nearly £7bn to the economy
Source: UK Trade & Investment springboard | 09 113,318
people are employed in the UK aerospace industry
Exports in the aerospace sector accounted for 63 per cent, or £12.2bn of sales in 2010, reinforcing the global nature of the aerospace market
rapid rise in the number of new technology companies in the Tech City area. This event is about supporting the growth of Tech City at a grass roots level. Tech City thrives on creative, technically savvy talent, and by demonstrating opportunities in this fi eld to young people, we help to establish a burgeoning base of home- grown digital expertise.”
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
• FACEBOOK AND APPS FOR GOOD will train young people to design and develop social applications • THOMSON REUTERS is sponsoring three London schools to encourage students to embrace technology • BLACKBERRY workshops will teach basic mobile technology to 11-14s • INTEL has launched a toolkit with the British Science Association to spark interest in science fairs • PLAYMOB has created WeMonster, an awareness-raising game, that allows players to do real-world good • LI KA SHING FOUNDATION AND SRI INTERNATIONAL are piloting a programme of technology-augmented maths learning to improve achievement
Sovereign downgrades, international fi nancial crisis meetings, global sell-offs... silver linings are rare bright spots in such turbulent times. But, wherever they are found, there is one thread that crops up time after time – the value of geographic spread for business. DIY giant Kingfi sher
has benefi ted from strong growth overseas and this has bolstered its ability to quadruple its investment in the UK this year, citing confi dence in British long-term prospects. Prime Minister David Cameron has been banging the GREAT Britain drum and pushing for more business opportunities in Russia and China. A good start. About 600 UK fi rms operate in Russia, where economic growth is four per cent and our exports are up by 63 per cent to £2bn. Global demand is fuelling a rise in UK car production – up 11 per cent this August – and particularly engine production. It remains a white-knuckle ride for many, but the bright spots of optimism are out there.
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