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2011 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
Key insights from students revealed as 2011 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is launched.
‘Protect and grow jobs for our future’ is the resounding message from local students today, according to findings from a career-focused consultation process unveiled at the launch of the 2011 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
Over recent weeks, students aged 12-18 from across the island of Ireland have been given the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns online by BT, the exhibition organiser and sponsor. These young people shared their opinions and concerns on major national topics directly impacting their lives such as education, career choices and emigration.
Questioned on their thoughts entering the working world, 70 percent of students who participated believed that a compulsory class at second-level education dedicated to business ‘know-how’ would be of major benefit to students in taking the next steps to an office environment and would also help them prepare to better manage their own finances.
On the issue of subject choice, 85% of the students questioned are more likely to choose a subject based on a teacher’s enthusiasm for the subject.
With 97 percent of those questioned confirming they have Internet access at school, today’s tech-savvy students enjoy the benefits of major advances in modern technology. Half of students questioned are confident that their teachers are skilled in the use of educational technology, with many teachers using school sites to upload lessons students can access at home, or using Bluetooth to send study tips.
The students were also asked if they would consider leaving home to work abroad after graduation 65 percent said they would prefer to settle and work locally.
Other notable findings from BT’s consultative process include:
- 60 percent said that bonus points would influence their decision to study subjects
- Over 50 percent feel that having to make subject choices at an early age may limit their career choices in future
- 40 percent expect to choose a career in technology or in the business world
- Reliability and communication skills are traits that students believe their future employers will value most highly
- 65 percent would like to settle at home. Many students would like to work abroad for a few years before returning home. USA, Europe, Japan and Indonesia are some of the places students would choose
- Schools in Northern Ireland are leading the way when it comes to preparing students for the working world, through provision of subjects such as Learning for Life and Work
Graham Sutherland, CEO, BT commented: “Northern Ireland’s most important resource is our young people and we must look forward by developing and growing our economy to offer them stability through sustainable industry. Education in this context is crucial and particular attention should be paid to the core subjects of engineering, science, technology and mathematics.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a vital stepping stone as it recognises, engages and nurtures the emerging talent pool in our schools. Consulting directly with these students, BT has been struck by the energy, enthusiasm and, indeed, the resilience that our young people have in preparing for and contributing to, their own future career paths.”
The focus of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2011 is innovation and sustainability - supporting sustainable jobs through the promotion of the core subjects of engineering, science, technology and mathematics. 2010 saw a record number of schools enter the competition, with 329 schools submitting a total of 1,588 projects. BT hopes to continue this growth in 2011 by urging students across the island to and to get thinking in earnest about their projects now. The closing date for entries is 4th October 2010.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 12th 2011. For more information on the exhibition, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com or call 1800 924 362 or from Northern Ireland 0800 917 1297.
Date: Thursday, 19 August 10