Space firm calls on local kids to aim high following North school visits
The Forres-based launch firm has just finished a programme of school outreach visits over the past academic year.
Pupils at Forres Academy are among the latest to learn about rocket science, satellites, and the growing Scottish sector, following a visit from Forres-based Orbex.
It marks the completion of Orbex’s tour across Moray and Highland schools during this academic year, aiming to educate and inspire the next generation of innovators from as young as P1 up to S6.
During the visits, younger pupils learned about what role Orbex plays in our space sector. For senior classes, presentations were given on career opportunities at Orbex as well as the space sector more widely.
The orbital launch services company, based in Forres, is set to launch its rocket many more miles into space from Sutherland Spaceport.
Phil Chambers, CEO at Orbex said: "By visiting schools in our surrounding areas and engaging with our local students from an early age, we hope to spark their interest and passion for space exploration and scientific discoveries. We hope the students left with a greater idea of what Orbex is doing right on their doorstep and feel inspired by what potential career opportunities await them within the space sector."
Claire McCormick, Head of Science at Forres Academy said: “We really enjoyed our visit from Orbex - it was a fantastic opportunity to learn about a space company that is right on our doorstep as well as the wider space industry. It was great to see our students so engaged during the visit and it might have even inspired the next generation of rocket scientists!”
During this school year staff from Orbex have also visited Speyside High and Nairn Academy, as well as seven primary schools.
John Bone, Chief Commercial Officer, said it's in the interests of Orbex to get young people enthusiastic: "What we're looking for is our workforce of the future. When kids go to choose what subjects they want to do, if you can see what you can develop from them then it becomes more interesting.
"We intend to be in Forres for some time to come, if we don't work with agencies like the UK Space Agency, then we won't get that influx of talent in the future"
"Working with other industries and tech firms, I think there's generally a feeling that there's a bit of a problem in developing that talent for the UK in general - particularly in Scotland.
"However when we have that enthusiasm and to see that outreach into those school it is absolutely important for all tech industries"