Plymouth City Council is bringing the high-tech and high-adrenaline nature of SailGP from the racecourse to a unique ‘classroom’ on the waterfront this week, as hundreds of students from Plymouth schools enjoy an inspirational day of activities at Tinside Lido.
The ‘STEM GP’ event is taking place this Thursday and Friday (15 and 16 July), with students in years 5, 6, 7 and 8 taking part.
From making and racing their own boats to experimenting with exciting tech used by SailGP, the day aims to open pupils’ eyes to the possibilities of a career in STEM through 10 different activities.
Inspirational role models from the SailGP team and 1851 Trust will be on hand to answer questions, while local employers including Schneider Electric, City Fibre and City College Plymouth will showcase the job opportunities available to Plymouth’s young people in the future.
Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, Children and Young People said: “Nearly 60 per cent of all employment in Plymouth is in STEM sectors. Our aim is to broaden and raise aspirations of our young people and open their eyes to the exciting job opportunities available to them in the future, which will help them to make informed choices when it comes to their education.
“It’s especially important to us that young people have the chance to spend time with inspirational industry role models and really see where a career in STEM could take them.”
The event is aligned with SailGP ‘Inspire’ – SailGP’s youth and community engagement programme – with the theme being ‘powered by nature’, and it includes activities focusing on the potential of renewable energy sources.
The SailGP Great Britain Sail Grand Prix takes place in Plymouth Sound this weekend – it’s one of the world’s fastest and most exhilarating sailing events. By using sailing to educate and inspire young people about sustainability and the power of nature, the Inspire programme aims to make a positive, long-term impact in every city it visits.
SailGP Youth Programme Manager Tom Herbert-Evans said: “At SailGP, we want to share our platform to inspire young people in the cities where we race and this is a fantastic way to do it. We are passionate about ensuring equal access and inclusivity in the sport and sharing the opportunities there are in the sport for careers in STEM and the marine industry.”