Dstl holds first ever virtual work experience sessions
More than 60 pupils from across the UK have applied to take part in the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s very first virtual work experience placements.
Students aged 14 to 19 will take part in sessions which will run over three days and will provide an introduction to Dstl and the science inside UK defence and security, including key areas of work in chemistry, space, psychology, cyber and energetics.
Dstl is partnering with educational equality charity Speakers for Schools to offer virtual work experiences for young people across the UK. While in-person placements are not possible, virtual work experiences continue to connect young people with the world of work and open their minds to the possibility of a career in a sector they may not have considered.
Jaime Williamson, heads up Early Careers for Dstl, and said:
We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique experience, particularly during a time where it is almost impossible for schools and colleges to enable real life work experience. Although students can’t be at one of our sites in person, they will get to virtually meet real life defence scientists and find out about some of the exciting science projects they are working on. They’ll be developing their employability skills too, as we’ll be setting exciting interactive challenges relating to each of the work areas.
Dstl has partnered with Speakers for Schools, a charity founded by ITV’s Political Editor Robert Peston and supported by the Law Family Charitable Foundation. Speakers for Schools aims to end educational inequality by giving young people access to the same networks as the top fee-paying schools in the UK through inspirational talks and work placements.
Jason Elsom, Chief Executive Officer, Speakers for Schools, said:
We are delighted to see leading employers like Dstl on board with Speakers for Schools and joining our mission to end educational inequality. We hope more employers join our virtual work experience programme and more schools sign up to broaden the horizons of young people across the UK.
Dstl’s Matt Romang, who organised the week’s activities, said:
We couldn’t have done this without the support of the team at Speakers for Schools. They’ve been able to promote our opportunity nationally, which has attracted a really diverse group of students to join us this week. We’ll be working with them to hear what the students think of their experience at Dstl so that we can learn and improve. We’re aiming to run 2 more sessions over the next year, showcasing a different range of work areas each time.