Stevenage’s biggest employers are hosting an event designed to introduce youngsters to a wide range of STEM careers.

MBDA, GSK and Airbus are running ‘Generation Stevenage’ to introduce school and college pupils aged 15-18 to the world of STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – and the opportunities available within it.

Combined, the trio employ more than 5,000 people in Stevenage alone and all three are on the lookout for the next generation of game-changing talent. With STEM skills growing in importance all the time, the firms say it’s crucially important they can identify the talent that can enable them to meet their strategic targets now and in the future.

The event takes place at the Hertfordshire Development Centre in Stevenage’s Robertson House on Thursday, November 8.

Representatives from Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, the Herts Local Enterprise Partnership, Catapult and more will also be in attendance to outline available opportunities and to discuss potential careers with school, college and university students and their families.

SETPOINT Hertfordshire, an educational charity that promotes STEM to young people, will also be assisting with the running of the event.

Keith Garden, UK deputy managing director at MBDA, and Andrew Stroomer, Stevenage site director at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “We are very excited to be involved with such an important campaign. While we often run events like this on our own, it is a fantastic opportunity to educate youngsters about the potential that a career in STEM can offer with some innovative and international organisations all in the same room at the same time.

“Not enough people are aware of some of the truly global firms that are based in Stevenage and this represents a fantastic opportunity for those looking to launch their careers to gain a better understanding of what we do and what sort of careers we can offer. Having worked in Stevenage for 30 years, I know the potential and the skills that this town holds and we are really looking forward to meeting some of the next generation of STEM specialists.”

Teenagers, parents and carers can register for the event on eventbrite.co.uk – just search ‘Generation Stevenage’ – or visit bit.ly/genstevenage.