Lockheed Martin UK Supports Major STEM Event to Inspire North East Future Workforce
A flagship event designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators has returned to the North East for the seventh time, supported by Lockheed Martin Space UK.
STEMFest was established to bring together industry and education, giving young people first-hand insight into the wide range of exciting career opportunities available across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Held over three days at Newcastle’s Vertu Motors Arena, the event welcomed around 900 young people each day, providing opportunities to engage with organisations from a broad range of sectors and industries.
Among the most popular attractions was the Space and Travel zone, sponsored by Lockheed Martin Space UK. Visitors had the chance to meet space industry professionals, take part in interactive challenges and explore the diverse career pathways available within the growing UK space sector.
The event is another example of Lockheed Martin UK's long-term commitment to the North East and comes ahead of the company's own Space Camp initiative later this month, which will further inspire young people to consider careers in STEM and space.
Lockheed Martin UK has established strong partnerships across the region and is playing a key role in developing the North East's growing space ecosystem. The company is a partner in the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) at Northumbria University, working alongside the university and the UK Space Agency to help build the skills and capabilities needed for the future space workforce.
The company also plans to establish a satellite manufacturing facility at NETPark in Sedgefield, creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs and supporting wider ambitions to strengthen advanced manufacturing and space industry capability across the North of England.
Chris Spicer, Regional Director, UK and Europe, Lockheed Martin Space, said:
STEMFest once again highlighted Lockheed Martin UK's investment in the region and its recognition of the importance of developing a strong pipeline of future talent to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding space sector.
Organised by RTC North, the exhibition featured dedicated zones covering technology, manufacturing, environment and energy, among other sectors. Attendees also participated in workshops and interactive sessions covering topics ranging from code-breaking and engineering challenges to emerging technologies.
The first two days of the event welcomed pupils from Years 5 and 6, while the final day was attended by students from Years 7 and 8 from schools across the region.
Janine Marshall, Head of Business Development at RTC North, said inspiring young people to engage with STEM subjects is vital to the UK's future success.
"Young people need engineers, scientists, technicians and technologists to make careers real," she said.
"They need to understand the problems businesses are solving, from sustainable manufacturing and clean energy to cybersecurity and AI.
"And businesses need to think about engagement differently, too."
She emphasised the value of direct engagement between industry and young people.
"An engineer spending time in a classroom can be an investment in the talent pipeline that a company, sector or region will depend upon in the future," she added.
STEMFest forms part of a wider programme delivered through STEM Hub, which raises awareness of STEM-related careers and opportunities while connecting young people with STEM Ambassadors who share their experience and inspire future generations.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Jackie Lucas +44 (0) 7385 005135 | jacqueline.a.lucas@global.lmco.com