BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce promote engineering skills to students through 2024 Science

Global engineering companies BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce have held the Rolls-Royce & BAE Systems Science Camp 2024, their first joint STEM education programme in Japan. Rolls-Royce has organised the annual programme since 2017, and this year were joined by BAE Systems. Both companies share the goal of fostering the next generation of engineers though supporting STEM education.

Seventy-six high school students from 13 schools took part in the online qualifying competition in June, from which the winners competed in the finals in Gifu City between August 21-22.

On the first day of the finals, 26 students from four schools competed with each other on the performance of their unique model hovercraft programmed with automatic controls they had developed over the preceding three months. The programme also encompassed focused student exchanges to share each other’s learnings. Engineers at BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce also participated in the programme, giving advice on developing the hovercrafts and sharing stories of their careers and work.

BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce focus on STEM education to help foster the next generation of scientists and engineers globally. The Science Camp, which has taken place since 2017, encourages interest in careers in STEM fields through hands on activities, allowing students to experience the fun of practical challenges as well as providing opportunities to interact with engineers. STEM talent is not only vital for the future of both businesses, but also for the growth of highly skilled jobs which are needed to boost economic progress and living standards.

This programme is only possible with the involvement of global engineering companies, with Rolls-Royce introducing the mechanics of aircraft engines in the online qualifying round, followed by a lecture on aircraft from design to production and the future of aircraft from a BAE Systems engineer in the finals. The students visited both a manufacturing plant and a base where such products are used in action, thanks to the cooperation of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force which have close ties with both companies, making it a valuable and enjoyable learning experience for the students.

At Gifu Air Base, Japan Air Self-Defense Force
(Photo credit: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.)

Susumu Kaminaga, President and Representative Director of Rolls-Royce Japan, said:

“We were delighted that BAE Systems, one of the UK’s leading technology companies, was able to join us for our 2024 Science Camp. Inspiring the future generation is vital to ensuring the prosperity of the sectors in which we work and ultimately supporting the economic growth of Japan.

“What particularly impressed me at this year’s camp was the students’ never-give-up spirit as they made adjustments until the very end. We live in an age where textual and visual information is easily available on the internet, but I want the children to actually use their hands to make things, fail, and try again. It is my hope that they have taken away valuable insights from this experience.”

Rob Peer, President, BAE Systems Japan, said:

“As one of the world’s leading engineering and technology companies, supporting the development of the next generation of engineering, such as through this programme, is extremely important to BAE Systems. The importance of the role engineers will play in the society of the future is immeasurable. We want our students to continue to learn about engineering and technology. They are our future.”

*Rolls-Royce & BAE Systems Science Camp 2024 is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education program for middle and high school students. The camp was run by Leave a Nest Ltd., a company with an excellent track record in running educational programs and was supported by Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems employees.