About
What We Do
TeenTech runs lively one-day events to help young teenagers see the wide range of career possibilities in Science, Engineering and Technology.
We are an award winning, industry-led initiative, founded in 2008 by Maggie Philbin and Chris Dodson to help the “X Factor” generation understand their true potential and the real opportunities available in the contemporary STEM workplace.
TeenTech events take place at venues across the UK – at each event 300 pupils from 30 different schools benefit from hands-on exhibits and challenges run by leading organisations. TeenTech works collaboratively with Education Business Partnerships, companies, Universities and business organisations to create these very special experiences for young people.
In 2010 TeenTech won the Best Engineering Event in Science and Engineering Week award and in 2011 was the only UK organisation to receive a Google RISE award. In 2012 Maggie Philbin and TeenTech also won Best Outreach and Engagement Award presented by UKRC/WISE (Women in Science and Engineering).
Who We Are
Our Patron
We our delighted that HRH the Duke of York has agreed to be our Patron.
Board of Directors
“ A generation sit in classrooms convinced subjects like Maths and Physics are irrelevant because they’re “going to be famous”. I met one group of students, who when asked to name a modern scientist or technologist could only name Einstein. Working on Tomorrow’s World allowed me to meet many brilliant and engaging people behind inventions.TeenTech does the same for young people before they make critical decisions over GCSE choices.”
Maggie Philbin Founder and CEO TeenTech CIC
“We’re acutely aware of the shortage of suitably qualified individuals in the UK. Qualifying at any level in a Science or technical subject gives you a much better chance of a very well paid career”
Chris Dodson OBE, Founder and Non-Executive Director TeenTech CIC and Chairman, Torftech
“I’ve spent much of my career working in Technology at the BBC and I’m thrilled to be part of TeenTech, helping to enthuse the Scientists, Engineers and Technologists of tomorrow that the UK so badly needs”.
Roland Allen, Director & CTO TeenTech CIC and Technology Mentor, Rolytech.
“TeenTech opens eyes, bridges gaps and builds new relationships. I’ve seen it in action in East London creating a buzz, raising aspirations of young people and teachers, and inspiring one of the mentors to blog that it had relit his fire. I’ve had so many opportunities through my career in technology and I’m delighted to help inspire the technologists of tomorrow.”
Sue O’Hare, Non- Executive Director TeenTech CIC
Delivery Team
TeenTech is inspiring in so many ways. Although intended to motivate young people, we know that teaching staff and employers learn so much from being involved. This has helped to rejuvenate the school curriculum and given a real boost to Science and Technology subjects.
Sandra Cooper, Sponsorship Manager TeenTech CIC
Working for an EBP and talking to employers it is essential that young people find out more about the world of work before they make important choices in their lives. TeenTech provides an amazing opportunity to enthuse young people to become the scientists and engineers of tomorrow and I am proud to be part of the team.
Helen Wilson, Project Manager TeenTech CIC
TeenTech is about teenagers being enthused and meeting people who can bring the meaning of getting the right qualifications to life. After 20 years working for the BBC, ITV and also specialising in science, I know that means communicating in an exciting and engaging way. I’m delighted to join a team dedicated to inspiring a new generation.
Karen Thomas, Press & Publicity Manager TeenTech CIC and Media Consultant, Karen Thomas Media
Having spent my working life involved in education and technology I am delighted to be part of this exciting and innovative project. Engaging young people’s interest in science and engineering has potential benefits both for them and for the economic prosperity of the UK.
Pat Sartorius, Project Co-ordinator, TeenTech CIC
Associates
Bringing so many interesting, talented people into one space to enthuse about their industries gives the students something really tangible. I am proud to have played some part in developing the event and feel confident we can grow TeenTech to broaden the minds of more young people.”
Amanda Richards, Former Non-Executive Director TeenTech CIC and CEO West Berkshire Education Business Partnership
“TeenTech is an innovative and exciting way to get young people interested in science. Working at 3M I understood just how much business needs more scientists and engineers. I am delighted to have been involved with a passionate and committed team like TeenTech’
David Cook, Former Non- Executive Director TeenTech CIC
Business Ambassadors
Having spent a number of years trying to encourage a new generation of engineers into our industry to replace an aging workforce I was incredibly excited when I discovered TeenTech. Now having worked with the team to find companies to both support and sponsor events and having attended several events myself I feel privileged to be involved with such an amazing organisation, doing such inspiring and essential work.”
Bill Walker, TeenTech CIC Business Ambassador and Managing Director, NOISE (UK) Ltd.
Hi,
I am a science teacher at Brimsham Green school in Yate (S. Glos). Would be grateful if you could email me details of any events in 2012.
Many thanks.
At the moment, events are planned for Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Humberside, Kent, The Midlands, Sheffield, Manchester and London . We’re very aware that we don’t have an event in the West and as soon as we have a partner in that area, I’ll be in touch.
Hi Maggie,
This is fantastic! Have you any plans to come to Northern Ireland?
Rgds,
Clarke
Hi there
We are in the very early stages of planning for Belfast. I’ll drop you an email.
All the very best
Maggiex
Hi – I’m Chair of the Skillset SSC for post production and would love to know or help out if I can. Our industry (media, creative etc)has some fantastic opportunities for people with STEM backgrounds that people might not know about and in fact its the area where the shortages of talent tend to be. This all looks great! Terry
Hi Terry
That would be terrific. I’ll send you an email
Maggie x
Hi Maggie,
this looks like a great opportunity for youngsters. We’re in the Midlands – where you say you will be visiting. How do we find out more about where, when, who can go, how to book, etc. ?
Thanks
Cathy
Hi Cathy
Many thanks for your interest. TeenTech will run at the King Power Stadium in Leicester in September. Where are you based?
Maggie
Hi, We are a small engineering company in Doncaster who have worked in local schools for many years. How would we get involved in this event. Whilst our skills are not cutting edge we do work with all the renewable technologies and “normal” Plumbing, Heating and Electrical. I am also connected to a number of local IT, Web, SEO companies who I’m sure would love to contribute.
Hi John,
Great to hear from you – I’ll email you with more details.
Kind regards,
Roland
Kudos to your team for these events. With the ending of a comprehensive careers framework in the UK these events are more than needed. Please let us know how we can spread the word to the schools, teens and parents in our network, especially those from more economically challenged backgrounds.
Dave
I think the Teen Tech idea is fantastic. My son from charters School attended the Ascot event and he really enjoyed it and was very enthusiastic. One request; could we see more varied photos of the Ascot event please? some are duplicated on the website. Thanks!
Hi Simon
I’m delighted you enjoyed the day – the students were just brilliant. The full set of pictures can be accessed on the website from the Ascot – A photo finish page. We’re inviting schools and students to pick their favourite shots from the full set and let us know the frame number and any caption they’d like us to put up. So please ask parents and students to have a look.
Maggie x
Hi Maggie – just wanted to say a massive thanks for having us on board to run a challenge for the students at the Cisco house event. We teamed up with Alias Hire and The Crewing Company to set up a live news room which the students seemed to really enjoy and we also all had one of the most rewarding days possible. We are really looking forward to doing another later in the year and I would highly recommend any company to get involved.
Thanks Terry Smith TC Soho
Terry,you were just brilliant and fantastic feedback from the students too! Very much looking forward to seeing you later in the year
))
Hi Maggie
We are an global engineering company that want to get more involved in supporting engineering in schools. Is Teen Tech something our Engineers could support, would love to receive more information regarding the scheme
Many thanks for getting in touch. I’ll send you an email with more details of our events.
Maggie x
Hi, have just heard about Teen Tech & would seriously like to be involved in the delivery of events. I am passionate about inspiring learning and enthusiasm for technology through ‘play’, i.e. ENJOYMENT & wonderment of the subject, and have had experience of travelling the country delivering sessions to schools to educate & enthuse about global warming, recycling & our carbon footprint. I really enjoyed the work and interaction with both staff & students, and would love to do this type of presentation in relation to technology,which is another passion of mine! Please let me know if there are any openings!
Regards, Sylvia Jennings
Hi, I am an ICT/Computing teacher at a school in Camden North West London. . I am really interested in the event you offer and see it a great opportunity for young learners. I wanted to know if you could email me details of any events taken place from September 2012.
Many thanks.
Hi Farhana
I’ll send you details of our Autumn events
All the best
Maggie
Hi there, I am an ICT and Technology teacher in Newquay Cornwall, your events sound fantastic! Could you let me know when you might have an event in Cornwall or Devon. Also might it be possible to suggest any big events that I might be able to transport students to as a class trip. (So London or anywhere in the South would be good.)
Kind regards
Ben Taylor
Hi Ben
I’ll drop you an email
Maggie x
This would be great with an international arm. I want to be involved but I am at an excellent school in Thailand.
Hi
I would be very interested in any events you may have in the Bedfordshire area this year.
Thanks
Hi Russ,
The nearest to you this year will be the Coventry & Warwick event at the Ricoh Arena on October 19th. We are hoping to run an event at Leicester next year however.
Kind regards,
Roland
Hi am stephen from Ghana, an HND student in Computer Science and will be willing to help here in Ghana and Africa as a whole to instill or promote technology to schools and students in this part of the world.
thanks and good job done
Hi Stephen,
That’s great news! We really look forward to working with you. I’ll send you an email.
Maggie
Good evening,
I was wondering if TeenTech have any links with international organisations to inspire teenagers in different countries?
Many thanks
We have links with Australia and Africa. Where are you based?
Maggie
We met you yesterday at the Innovisions 2012 awards – our project was part of the winning submission from Suffolk CC. We are lead for the Schools Energy Network where we are introducing Yr 9 students to the myriad of career possibilities in the energy sector and trying to inspire them in the STEM subjects. We would love to work with you to bring Teen Tech to Suffolk. SCC want to aswell.
I don’t know about inspring the students, you certainly inspired me yesterday with your presentation about TeenTech.