EMPLOYMENT and Learning minister Stephen Farry has praised an initiative aimed at encouraging young people into the world of aerospace, engineering and science and on to future careers in the industry.
Presenting the awards at the regional final of the UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge, the minister said: “Inspiring our young people to be excited about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects is vital for Northern Ireland’s future success.
“This initiative fits well with a number of my department’s key priorities — meeting the need for people with higher level skills as identified in our skills strategy, increasing the number of postgraduates in STEM subjects, and supporting more economically relevant activity as highlighted in the Department’s Higher Education Strategy.”
Eight local secondary schools took part in the competition which provides young people with a realistic experience in designing a flying aerospace vehicle that meets a specified set of mission and performance requirements. The competition was won by Longstone School (team 2) from Dundonald.
Congratulating the participating schools the Minister continued: “I recently announced that my Department will provide funding for 20 bursaries for new graduates and employees wishing to study Masters (MSc) level degrees in aerospace engineering. Queen’s University, Belfast (QUB), which has a track record of research excellence in aeronautical engineering, is seeking accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society to introduce a new Aerospace MSc from October 2013.
“The University of Ulster also plan to develop a unique Aerospace MSc programme capitalising on their advanced research experience and complimentingthat of QUB and the new Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering centre.”
The challenge involved 14 teams who had to design, construct and successfully launch a rocket, carrying a raw medium size hen’s eggs to an altitude of 750ft in a rocket weighing no more than 650 grams, and return the eggs safely to ground within 48 to 50 seconds using a single 15 inch parachute.
The winning team has secured a place at the National Finals of the UK Rocketry Challenge where they will compete for a place at the global finals at the Paris Airshow in June.
Meanwhile, planning approval has been granted for a new University of Ulster development at York Street Belfast.
Welcoming the news Dr Farry said: “This will allow the university to move forward with its plans to create an excellent environment for students and staff alike.
“It is great news, too, for Belfast. The economic potential for the area is enormous not just with the jobs associated with the building phase, but with the spending power of the huge number of people visiting the campus on a daily basis and the opportunity for local businesses to serve the needs of the university.”