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Humber students have a fantastic ‘app’ titude at TeenTech event

Hull and the Humber school pupils come face to face with technology experts at TeenTech event

KC’s Commercial and Finance Director, Sean Royce and TeenTech Creator Maggie Philbin

Teenagers from 30 schools across Hull and the Humber filled the KC Stadium recently to meet the people behind some of the gadgets that drive their 21^stcentury lives.

TeenTech, organised by the Humber Education Business Partnership (EBP), gave 300 school students aged 12 and 13 the opportunity to conduct experiments, handle leading-edge technology and meet the engineers, technicians and scientists from the world of big business. 

TeenTech is a lively, one day event which helps young teenagers see the wide range of career possibilities in science, engineering and technology. It was created by science broadcaster Maggie Philbin and Chris Dodson, Chairman of the Institute of Directors (South) and is run by the Education Business Partnerships. The event in Hull was the first time TeenTech had been run outside of the Thames Valley. 

Maggie Philbin, science broadcaster and TeenTech creator said: “Teenagers dream about owning the latest gadgets but few consider they could be shaping the future themselves. There’s a real need to make them aware of the rich opportunities that exist in these areas.” 

One of the highlights of the day was the ‘Design an App’ workshop, which was run by application designers Dave Addey and Alyson Fielding. They challenged each school team to create an app which was innovative and marketable. The teams had to pitch their idea to the other schools and designers in 45 seconds, and the designers were overwhelmed by the quality of the ideas, finding it a struggle to choose the winning apps. 

Prizes for Best Pitch, Best Icon, Most Marketable App, Most Innovative App and Best Teamwork were presented. The winners of the grand prize, Best App Overall, were Oasis Academy Immingham. Their app lets the usertry on different make-up looks and clothes outfits, to find out what suits or fits them before they buy. 

The school won a day with the team from theappleofmyi, who will show them how their app could be developed and marketed. The prize was sponsored by KC. 

KC’s Commercial and Finance Director, Sean Royce, said: “The KC stadium was buzzing with energy during the event, which was exactly the aim. As a communications company, we understand the need to make science, engineering and technology exciting so it appeals to more young people who might then choose it as a career path. Support from businesses within the industry is so important, and we were delighted to provide volunteers and sponsorship to the event.” 

Sandra Cooper, General Manager of the Humber EBP said: “TeenTech is a great opportunity for the students to find out first-hand about careers in engineering, technology and science.  We know that there will be a very real demand for people with specialist skills in this region and it’s important to make sure that our young people are in a position to benefit from these opportunities".