Bombardier Aerospace Opens Doors to Tomorrow’s Innovators

Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast hosted local schools during a week of special events for a joint government/industry initiative designed to update perceptions of manufacturing in the UK. Launched by Business Secretary Vince Cable, See Inside Manufacturing (SIM) aims to build awareness of the wide range of career opportunities available in manufacturing.

The week’s packed programme of activities was adapted from Bombardier’s regular educational outreach across Northern Ireland, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Around 70 Bombardier employees participate in the company’s outreach as STEM Ambassadors.

Through practical exercises and engaging conversations with Bombardier engineers and apprentices, pupils were enthused about the value of STEM in the world of work. They attended a SIM-themed careers event at W5 Interactive Discovery Centre, a Technology and Design trail at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and a ‘Dart’ model aircraft workshop designed by the British Model Flying Association.

Programme highlights included a factory tour of Bombardier’s fuselage manufacturing and assembly facility, as well as a flight on a Q400 aircraft for a group of Year Eleven pupils from Ashfield Girls’ High School, Belfast. As part of its educational outreach, Bombardier has developed a Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) programme specifically aimed at encouraging schoolgirls to pursue STEM careers.

“See Inside Manufacturing is about changing perceptions of modern manufacturing and showing young people, teachers and careers advisers that the industry offers interesting and rewarding job opportunities. I’m pleased that Bombardier has signed up to help represent the aerospace and defence sector, and dispel outdated perceptions of manufacturing,” said Business Minister, Mark Prisk.

“We welcome the opportunity to support government on informing careers influencers about manufacturing and have tailored elements of our existing educational outreach for this special SIM programme. By opening our doors to young people, and in particular young women, this week, we want to demystify the traditionally male-dominated engineering and manufacturing sector. Our industry offers a host of career choices for both young men and women in a fast-paced, innovative and rewarding environment,” said Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast.