Students Encouraged To Consider Career In Aerospace Industry

Students and apprentices have been encouraged to consider careers in aerospace while attending the 'Futures Day' event at the Farnborough International Airshow.

'Futures Day' focuses on engaging young people and students with the aerospace industry and providing them with a chance to see the career opportunities available within the dynamic sectors of aerospace and defence. I'm delighted that 23 of Northern Ireland's top STEM students and apprentices have had the opportunity today to see the options available in these growing sectors.

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: "Inspiring our young people to be excited about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects is vital for Northern Ireland's future success. Improving the skills of our workforce, especially in STEM related subjects, is crucial if we are to boost productivity, increase employment levels and help grow our economy.

"I recently announced the new Northern Ireland Strategy on Apprenticeships 'Securing our Success' which will radically transform our skills landscape and ensure our economy has the skills needed to grow and compete globally. Apprenticeships provide an excellent means by which employers can obtain the specialist and wider skills they require as well as being assured that there is a strong skills base across the economy. A Higher Level Apprenticeship pilot in Aeronautical Engineering is currently being developed between Belfast Metropolitan College and the industry which will provide long term skills benefits for the local economy."

The Minister concluded: "Exhibiting at the Farnborough Air Show provides an opportunity for Northern Ireland companies to showcase their products on a worldwide stage. This event allows our companies to demonstrate the vital contribution they make to sustaining the UK aerospace sector's position at the forefront of technology development and maintaining the UK's position as Europe's number one aerospace manufacturer"

"We are delighted that the Department for Employment and Learning is supporting 'Futures Day'," said Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast. "It's an inspiring environment where apprentices and recent winners of our schools' competition can gain invaluable career advice. Bombardier's educational programme promotes STEM through initiatives such as The Flight Experience challenge and the lucky winners have been rewarded with a motivational trip to an international Airshow. Our apprentices, who we have registered as STEM Ambassadors as part of their career development, get the opportunity to engage with peers from other companies and enhance their knowledge of the industry."

Dr Leslie Orr, ADS Northern Ireland Manager, said: "Our goal is to double the size of the Northern Ireland Aerospace Industry from £1billion to £2billion in the next 10 years. To achieve this we are going to need more people with skills to join this industry. We are delighted that Minister Farry and his Department have supported these young people to attend Farnborough Futures Day to see the exciting opportunities that the industry offers. This is exactly what we need to do to encourage more young people to take up STEM subjects in order to further grow this great industry in Northern Ireland."

(MH)