Maggie gives teens a taste of Tomorrow’s World, today!

On Friday 19th March, TeenTech 2010 comes to The Madejski Stadium in Reading, Berkshire, UK.  The brainchild of BBC Presenter and Tomorrow’s World favourite, Maggie Philbin, TeenTech is all about getting teenagers interested in science, engineering and technology as a careers.

As Maggie explained:

“All over the UK, teenagers are sitting in classrooms convinced there’s no need to make an effort with Science and Maths because they’re going to be famous.

They dream about owning the latest gadgets but few consider they could shaping the future themselves. There’s a real need to make them aware of the rich opportunities that exist in these areas.”

TeenTech 2010

This year, TeenTech will see 300 kids from over 20 schools trying their hand at experiments, designing prototypes for the year 2050 and finding out about jobs that they never dreamt existed.  This lively, noisy and interactive event is being supported by a wide range of companies related to science, technology and/or engineering, including; Verizon, BT, IBM, JVC, 3M, Sky, AWE, Scottish and Southern Energy, Thames Water and True Snowboards.

TeenTech was co-organised with Chris Dodson, Chairman of the Institute of Directors (South Region) and supported by the Institute of Engineering and Technology and the Education Business Partnerships; has been short-listed for one of the British Science Association’s prestigious awards.  It’s down to the final three for the best Engineering event in National Science and Engineering Week!

Professor Averil Macdonald from The University of Reading is delighted there’s so much enthusiasm for TeenTech 2010:

”There’s no doubt that the UK will rely heavily on its scientifically trained workforce in the next few decades to solve the problems of energy supply, food supply and water supply as well as contributing to improved medical care – and creating all the gadgets we love to buy from mobile phones to wiis”

TeenTech will show young teenagers that their love for the by-products of science and tech (their phones, computer games, etc)  could act as a gateway, to a rewarding career developing the next generation of must-have gadgets.  Even more important, this age group are extremely environmentally aware and Teentech shows them the role science plays in helping the environment.

Here at The Tech News Blog we fully endorse and support Teentech and what Maggie and Chris are doing, to raise the profile of science and technology, as a genuine, interesting career path.

TeenTech 2010 will be held at the Berkshire Conference Centre, Madejski Stadium, Reading on 19th March.  For more information, you can contact Maggie Philbin on Twitter @MaggiePhilbin