Babcock and STEM

Why STEM Matters

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can be found everywhere in the world around us, and in every part of our lives.

It is everywhere in Babcock too; from our naval architects and designers overhauling and maintaining warships, through to the finance teams ensuring that our complex and critical projects are delivering value to our customers. Research shows that not enough young people are studying the STEM subjects which will equip them with the knowledge to pursue a career in this area. By engaging with young people, their parents and teachers through outreach and collaborative activities, we seek to spark an interest in studying STEM subjects and pursuing a rewarding career in the industry.

Our Approach to STEM

We believe that igniting an interest in STEM subjects should start early. The 5E model, developed by Plymouth City Council and adopted by Babcock, below shows how we tailor our engagement to meet the needs of young people as they progress through the education system and towards employment.

From Mission System Designer creating software to control the weapons on a warship, to Automation Manager working on exciting projects to use robots on production lines.

The fundamental principles of science remain constant in all the critical and complex projects that we are trusted to deliver.

Whether it is an understanding of the principles of buoyancy in our Marine sector or the concept of aerodynamics in our Aviation business, our operations need talented people to apply scientific principles on a daily basis.

From Mission System Designer creating software to control the weapons on a warship, to Automation Manager working on exciting projects to use robots on production lines.

Using technology to tackle the engineering challenges of tomorrow with the engineers of today.

The technology landscape is changing rapidly. As a technology-led business, we work in close partnership with our customers to understand how the latest technological advancements can make their operations more efficient and effective.

From Electrical Engineer designing the emergency warning light system on a police car, to Aeronautical Engineer fitting new rotor blades to one our helicopters.

We work closely with our clients in the UK and internationally to develop technical solutions and designs. Babcock’s Engineers thrive on providing solutions to the most complex challenges.

We utilise our engineering expertise and know-how in design and manufacture in every area of our business. We work with our customers to make critical, and often complex, technical decisions in the selection, support and operation of their assets – whether it’s a warship, a power station or a communications system.

From Air Ambulance Pilot calculating the amount of fuel required for a flight, to Naval Architect modelling the engine power requirements of a coastal patrol boat.

Every feat of engineering is also a feat of mathematics. To achieve success, projects must apply mathematical theory to practical engineering challenges.

Whether the calculation is complex or simple, the close relationship between engineering and maths means it is vital that our people understand the important role that maths plays in all our critical and complex projects.

Our STEM Commitment

In the last year, our commitment to STEM and the communities in which we operate translates into:

800+

STEM AMBASSADORS

500

EMPLOYEE DAYS OF STEM ACTIVITY

270

EVENTS ATTENDED

30,000

STUDENTS ENGAGED IN OUR STEM ACTIVITIES

Pursue a career in STEM

Women in Engineering

Babcock is committed to recruiting women into STEM roles, and to closing the gender gap across the company.

We are delighted that our Chair, Ruth Cairnie, is Patron of the Women in Defence Charter, whilst Lyndsey Valentine, Cavendish Nuclear Strategy Director, is the President of Women in Nuclear. We are also part of the Women in Aviation Charter. This gives us a clear understanding and focus on what is required to attract women into STEM roles at Babcock.

“Experience shows that diverse teams mean better business decisions and more innovative solutions. This is particularly relevant in the defence sector, which thrives on collaboration as well as competition.”

Ruth Cairnie, Babcock International Group Chair and Patron of Women in Defence 

To help inspire the next generation of young women to consider engineering as a career we recorded a Q&A with some of our engineering graduates and apprentices exploring how they discovered engineering and why they love it.

Activities

We’ve developed some fun activities which will test your STEM skills. Using the duration and age range filters below, you can find an activity which you have time to complete and is suitable for your age. We hope you enjoy them!

Our STEM Friends

We work closely with a number of organisations to inspire and engage the next generation by making STEM accessible and exciting.