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Students in Bahrain discover the aerospace engineering with BAE Systems

Top BAE Systems engineers hosted a series of workshops and presentations for students in Bahrain on 10th and 11th December.

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Students in Bahrain discover the aerospace engineering with BAE Systems

As part of an on-going STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational outreach programme, top BAE Systems engineers hosted a series of workshops and presentations for students at two boys schools and two girls schools in Bahrain on December 10th and 11th.

Alexandria Monkiewicz and Matthew Wilson, both Engineering Apprentices at BAE Systems’ Air division in the UK, discussed the critical importance of STEM subjects to students and gave them deep insight into the field and career path of engineering.

The workshops, which were organised in partnership with the British Council and Bahrain’s Ministry of Education, focused specifically on aerospace engineering, with special sessions on flying forces, air resistance and the basics of flight. Each class was briefed on key concepts of aerospace engineering and then split into groups where students had to design and create a range of functional models - from complex paper aeroplanes to stunt parachutes. These activities helped students understand the basic physics behind everyday engineering marvels such as aircraft and how STEM subjects can help guide and propel their careers. Each of these workshops also linked in with the current curriculum in the schools and will allow the teachers to follow up the exercise later in the school year.

Ben Bridge, Managing Director Middle East & Africa, BAE Systems, commented:

These workshops are the foundation of our educational programme in Bahrain and embody our long-term commitment to supporting educational development through the critical STEM curriculum. We are delighted to give students insight into the field of engineering and the rewarding career opportunities it offers.

BAE Systems, which provides support and maintenance for the HAWK advanced training aircraft operated by the Royal Bahraini Air Force, has developed a number of workshops that engage and educate students. Each workshop has a common set of aims; to develop the thinking and engagement on STEM subjects, to encourage team work and to encourage structured thinking in the completion of a task. Some BAE Systems education activities are aviation-focused, while others give students the opportunity to meet and seek career guidance from top engineers in the field.

In Bahrain and around the world, BAE Systems is committed to supporting and developing the skills of young people. BAE Systems’ STEM educational outreach programmes aim to engage, inspire and motivate students to discover and explore fulfilling careers in the fields of science and engineering.

Published 15 December 2014