E-Newsletter
James Kirk Boldly Goes into [Clyde] Space
03 July 2010
Clyde Space is supporting work placements into Science and Engineering companies in order to give young people the a broader understanding of the opportunities that a career in a STEM based subject can provide. The company is also supporting calls from Semta, the UK sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, to urge students and parents to consider apprenticeships as a viable alternative to studying engineering or science at university
Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive of Semta, said: "Semta's 2010 UK Skills Report identifies the need for around 10,000 new highly skilled engineers and scientists every year between now and 2016. We have an ageing workforce of highly skilled workers who will retire soon and take those skills with them. This is why it is vital we encourage more young people to consider a STEM career (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)."
The new coalition government has announced there will be 10,000 fewer university places this year, due to deep cuts to public spending, despite record applications. However, the government has pledged extra funding for apprenticeships.
Research in 2009* showed that 81% of companies taking on apprentices increased productivity; 66% said it increased their competitiveness; 92% had better motivated staff and increased job satisfaction and 74% said that apprentices stayed with their the company longer than non-apprentices.
Clyde Space is a young company at the cutting edge of creating miniature spacecraft technology. They are establishing themselves as world leaders in their field and are supplying spacecraft systems to space programmes all over the world.
Craig Clark, Chief Executive of Clyde Space, said: "Too often parents are steering young people into supposedly 'safe' subjects, such as law or medicine. However, there are high tech companies both in the UK and overseas starved of top engineering and scientific talent. "Apprenticeships should not be considered second-class in comparison to HE qualifications. There is a clear need for all levels of qualifications in engineering and science; the industry needs a balanced mix of the university educated and those from apprenticeships.
"We agree with Semta that we also need to 'open the eyes' of young people to the diversity of jobs available within engineering and science. For example, there is currently too narrow a view out there about what working in engineering actually means. This is why we work with lots of local schools and education establishments to give young people an insight into our industry. They are our future workforce and we need to invest in them as early as possible."
A recent school placement even saw Clyde Space taking on its very own James Kirk!
James, a 17 year old student from Glasgow Academy has just finished a placement Clyde Space. James is a good example of a young person looking to make a decision on whether to pursue a scientific or engineering career.
James Kirk said: "The experience [at Clyde Space] has been thoroughly enjoyable and I have even been able to learn more about the diversity that a career in engineering can bring. . In particular, I enjoyed the practical work in the lab; building and testing electronics. It has definitely shown me that this is the kind of place I'd like to end up." James, now entering his 6th year at school, will be looking at suitable university courses to study engineering.
Craig Clark commented, "Amongst other bits of work, James Kirk was able to have a look at our recently developed power controller for our ion drive (no kidding!). Unfortunately, Scotty was on holiday this week, but Spock was here to show James around. I'm pleased to say that, at no point did anyone say, 'The engines cannae take it Captain!' James visibly enjoyed his few days here at Clyde Space and we're delighted we could help him in part to make the big decisions at this stage of his life."
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