What we do
We provide teenagers with a range of engaging and enlightening experiences which aim to shift their perceptions of contemporary careers.
Our research shows that participating in TeenTech initiatives helps teenagers refocus thinking about school subject choices and consider career paths they never knew existed. Teachers benefit too, we can help sharpen knowledge about current best practice in industry and provide plenty of ideas to enrich lessons. We focus on collaborative learning and legacy by building new relationships between schools and local companies.
TeenTech events and the TeenTech Award scheme bring together a range of global companies, local businesses, universities and institutions who pool their energy and talent to show young people what life is really like in the modern science, technology and engineering workplace. Surrounded by powerful media images of instant success, many young people have limited access to inspiring role models to help them understand why investing time in building skills now makes a difference to their future careers.
Attending a TeenTech event gives young people the opportunity to participate in live experiments, to get hands-on with leading edge technology and, most importantly to meet the engineers, technicians and scientists behind their 21st century lives, which help break stereotypes and show the reality of how varied and exciting the careers available are.
Participating in the TeenTech Awards helps students to develop their own ideas, enriching work they may be covering in the school curriculum. Teachers report a measurable effect on uptake of STEM subjects as a result of the opportunity to explore projects with industry support. The Awards provide opportunities for schools to develop valuable relationships with our mentoring companies and universities.
TeenTech works collaboratively with leading companies to deliver engaging, memorable and practical experiences. Our partners include the BBC, Sky, Google, Airbus, EDF, Atkins, JVC and Samsung who bring their latest technology and key people to talk about their work.
FAQ’s
What is the format of a TeenTech event?
TeenTech is a highly interactive one-day event – it’s lively, but very carefully organised. Events are run at a range of local venues, typically sports stadiums or conference centers. Students move in small groups, led by an industry ambassador, through three interactive zones – the Innovation Zone, Insight Exhibition and Challenge Zone. Each of these distinct areas features a mix of activities and we support all of our exhibitors in helping them understand how to create and develop strong, focussed activities which really engage students.
How do students benefit?
At a TeenTech event we provide interactive demonstrations, leading edge technology, hands-on experiments and – most importantly – unique opportunities for students to talk to ‘real’ people who are experts in their field. Our research shows that attending a TeenTech event helps students to refocus their thinking about school subject choices and to consider career paths they never knew existed. We have spent the past five years designing and refining the TeenTech experience to change perceptions about careers in STEM and the people who work in those industries. TeenTech events give students valuable hands on learning experiences, confidence about their abilities and an opportunity to shine outside the classroom.
Head over to our career pages for related links and resources.
How do I bring my students to a TeenTech event?
We are running events in 12 regions of the UK , please contact us if you would like to attend. Events are always over subscribed, so it’s best to confirm places as early as possible. TeenTech events cover a range of career opportunities for apprentices and entry level technicians, as well as graduates, so are suitable for mixed ability groups.
How much does it cost to attend a TeenTech event?
Schools can attend a TeenTech event free of charge. The real cost of each place is £150 and this is covered by the generosity of our sponsors.
Do you run events for teachers?
We realise the importance of teachers being up to date with the latest industry thinking and best practices, and we also want you to get the most out of the TeenTech event. At some events we run sessions for teachers the day before, giving you the time to understand the shape of the TeenTech day, ask questions and explore some of the activities. Additionally, we are keen to foster direct relationships between schools and local businesses to ensure the knowledge gained from TeenTech events continues to evolve. From Autumn 2012, we will be running ‘twilight’ CPD sessions in most regions to keep you across the very latest support material for Science, Maths, Technology and Engineering.
What do teachers say about TeenTech events?
“Not only did the students enjoy the day and come away enthused but so did I. It was great for getting to know about cutting edge technology and I have been inspired to develop a few new projects based on what I saw. Living in isolation in a school makes it difficult to keep up to date – I’m sending my 2nd in next year” Teacher
“Watching the pupils discovering the joys of engineering and discovering how the knowledge they learn in school could help them and others in the future.” Teacher,
“The whole day was fantastic, very difficult to pick what we most enjoyed”. Teacher
“The survey on how much understanding about science and engineering careers the students had was an eye opener. Made us realise how much more work we need to do to change this” Teacher
“The day was just packed with fun STEM activities that kept all of the pupils and staff engaged” Teacher