SatNews — Clyde Space is supporting work placements into Science and Engineering companies in order to give young people the a broader understanding of the opportunities that a career in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) based subject can provide. The company is also supporting calls from Semta, the UK sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, to urge students and parents to consider apprenticeships as a viable alternative to studying engineering or science at university

Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive of Semta, said: “Semta’s 2010 UK Skills Report identifies the need for around 10,000 new highly skilled engineers and scientists every year between now and 2016. We have an ageing workforce of highly skilled workers who will retire soon and take those skills with them. This is why it is vital we encourage more young people to consider a STEM career (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).” The new coalition government has announced there will be 10,000 fewer university places this year, due to deep cuts to public spending, despite record applications. However, the government has pledged extra funding for apprenticeships. Research in 2009* showed that 81 percent of companies taking on apprentices increased productivity; 66 percent said it increased their competitiveness; 92 percent had better motivated staff and increased job satisfaction, and 74 percent said that apprentices stayed with their the company longer than non-apprentices.

Clyde Space is a young company at the cutting edge of creating miniature spacecraft technology. They are establishing themselves as world leaders in their field and are supplying spacecraft systems to space programmes all over the world.