The ACP Roadshow visits Epsom College
On 16 October the ACP Roadshow Presentation team of Michael Smith, Chris Marshall, Mike Stokes and Gordon Emanuel were hosted by Epsom College and joined by students and staff from Rosebery School, Teddington School, Blenheim School, Cheam High School and Therfield School. A total audience of 113. Working with the team were Angel Ramstead and Dr David Murray from two of the ACP’s supporting organisations – Babcock International and The Institution of Engineering and Technology respectively.
Starting with NASA’s Artemis programme, during the morning Dr Smith went on to introduce students to some of the technologies of what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, the Internet of Things, Robotics, Drones, Virtual Reality (VR), Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Quantum Computers, Nanotechnology, 3D Printing, and so on. And then, following an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of SPOT and be introduced to Babcock International, Dr Smith related these technologies to the aerospace and space industries, with particular reference to current and career opportunities, and technology advances up to the year 2050.
During the afternoon students had an opportunity to be ‘hands-on’ with drone flight simulators, VR flight experiences and Augmented Reality design plus, of course, asking more questions of Spot. Additionally, Angel Ramstead conducted a series of career presentations and Q&A sessions, and Dr Murray was available to answer questions on engineering careers and the many opportunities currently available, including apprenticeship and graduate schemes.
On behalf of the ACP Trustees, Dr Smith would like to thank most warmly Mark Lascelles, the new Head of Epsom College who we wish every success in his new appointment and, in particular, Charles Conway and his colleagues for their superb organisation and hosting – neither could be bettered! Also, thanks as always to our colleagues, Chris Marshall from Airborne Platforms and Mike Stokes from DevelopMyWeb, and especial thanks to Angel from Babcock International, and Gordon Emanuel who stepped in temporarily to replace our VR Lead, Lee Mason.
The visiting schools have now joined Epsom College as members of the ACP ‘family’ and will receive a continuing and growing input of relevant information via our Network, website, social media and YouTube channel. To the staff of all six schools we say a very grateful Thank You, and to the students we wish them every success for their future education and subsequent careers. We look forward to presenting again at Epsom College in 2027.
