Stevenage 75th anniversary magazine | biz4Biz - Magazine - Page 31
Airbus Stevenage: connecting
growing and inspiring the UK
space ecosystem
A
ccording to the Department for
Education, more than a third of
unfillable vacancies are due to
skill shortages.
Why are these shortages so prevalent, and
why can't we fill these critical roles?
It's widely acknowledged that the key to
boosting interest in STEM subjects lies in
captivating young minds and continually
fostering that enthusiasm throughout their
education. Dinosaurs and space. They
have always been the go-to subjects when
it comes to planting that crucial seed of
inspiration. In Stevenage, what they lack
in T-Rex's and prehistoric animals, they
sure make up for in space.
The town has a long and fruitful history
in the sector and has been at the forefront
of space-related innovation for nearly 70
years.
Like many things in Stevenage, the
story began just after the war when de
Havilland moved into town, where they
manufactured predominantly propellers.
Shortly after, the site developed the Blue
Streak missile, which was eventually used
as the first stage of the Europa Satellite
Launch Vehicle. After decades of mergers
and acquisitions, the facility on Gunnels
Wood Road is now the Airbus Defence
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