Thursday 21 March 2013

Stephen Metcalfe MP celebrates the best of local Science and Engineering at Big Bang event

Stephen Metcalfe with Philip Pratley from
Selex ES and Selex Apprentices

Recently Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, celebrated the best of local science and engineering at The Big Bang event at the excel centre, London.

The Big Bang is the largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fair for schools and industry which aims to showcase the best of British talent and demonstrate to young people just how many exciting and rewarding opportunities there in STEM subjects.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “This really was a brilliant event. I am extremely passionate about the promotion of STEM subjects and about seeing them prosper in South Basildon and East Thurrock, it was therefore very encouraging to see my constituency represented at the event.”

“I spent time with Basildon based Selex ES who pride themselves on technological excellence for the security industry and I think it is also worth highlighting that there isn’t a single airbus 380 flying in the world today without a part made by Basildon firm, Gardner Aerospace. We have a STEM industry in the local area that we should all be extremely proud of.”

The Big Bang event also hosted the, Government supported, national final of the Young National Science and Engineering Competition. Open to all 11-18 year olds living in the UK and in full-time education, the competition rewards students who have achieved excellence in a science, technology, engineering or maths project.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I hope that the event and competition inspire young people in South Basildon and East Thurrock to take up STEM subjects. There were over 170 organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors offering a fresh, new perspective to young people on where their school subjects can take them.”

“I would encourage all young people in my constituency to seriously consider STEM subjects and to contribute to the fantastic industry that already exists right on our doorstep.”