Inspiring youngsters as the Big Bang comes to Bognor

Arun District Council is among the partners of the first of a series of events aimed at inspiring the next generation of local young people to study and build careers in the sciences and business, giving them the tools needed to drive the economy of the future.

The Big Bang @ Butlin’s promises to be a day of noisy and colourful interactive displays, shows and hands-on activities provided by local businesses and other organisations aimed at bringing the sciences, mathematics and engineering to life. The event takes place on Thursday (March 3).

It will be the culmination of the first Coastal STEMfest, a programme of science, technology and engineering and maths (STEM) for schools and colleges in coastal West Sussex, which has given students a unique insight into the courses and careers open to them locally and helped local businesses forge links with schools and colleges.

Councillor Gillian Brown, leader of Arun District Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Big Bang @ Butlin’s to the Arun district.

“I hope all the young people taking part have a fantastic time and gain a passion for the sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and business.

“Encouraging young people to obtain these vital skills now will help grow Arun’s economy in the future and the event also gives businesses based in our District contact with a wide range of enthusiastic and bright students who could well become their next generation of employees.”

Jo Mckinney-Green, STEM Sussex project manager, said: “Addressing the STEM skills gap has been identified as a real priority for businesses in West Sussex.

“Local businesses are committed to doing more to enthuse young people to study STEM subjects, and we believe Coastal STEMfest will fire young people’s curiosity.

“It has been an ideal opportunity for secondary schools to get their students involved and to set their learning in a real-world STEM context.

“It has been an opportunity for employers to engage with their potential future workforce by providing activities to schools and colleges and at the Big Bang @ Butlin’s that make subjects young people study relevant to local industries.”

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