Airport opens science centre for school children

The new centre is aimed at inspiring school children to pursue an airport-related career

A new centre aimed at inspiring school children to pursue airport-related careers has opened at Gatwick Airport.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) site offers pupils across south-east England aged between four and 18 the opportunity to explore career options available at the West Sussex airport.

The specialised facility is equipped with interactive exercises, including a water treatment lab and runway lighting rig.

The airport’s head of external engagement and policy, Alison Addy, said: “A diverse and skilled pipeline of local talent is critical to a healthy labour market and Gatwick’s future growth.”

The centre has classrooms, quiet areas and dedicated facilities for students with special educational needs, and offers both theory and practical learning.

“The STEM centre is at the heart of Gatwick’s Employment, Skills and Business Strategy, which shapes the future direction of the airport’s work in developing opportunities for the region," Ms Addy said.

“There is an array of fantastic and fun activities on offer.”

The centre offers pupils aged between four and 18 the opportunity to explore career options available at Gatwick Airport

A statement released by the airport stated that its employment strategy was a core part of its proposals to bring its northern runway into regular use.

“This low impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism and new jobs,” it said.

Campaigners have opposed the plans as "a second runway by stealth".

More than 70,000 students have benefitted from Gatwick’s education programmes in the last academic year, with a large part of those programmes focussed on STEM.

The new specially-adapted space, situated landside at the airport, will act as a one-year pilot to test demand and gain feedback to inform the airport’s longer-term STEM education and engagement plans.