A group of Nestlé apprentices have taken part in a live in-flight call with British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Tim Peake.
The call was part of an event at the National STEM Learning Centre in York which aims to inspire primary school teachers about teaching science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The day, which included a number of careers focused activities, saw Tim Peake speak live from the International Space Station to 100 primary school teachers from all over the UK. The teachers had the chance to ask Tim questions about his education, STEM careers and the importance of engaging children with STEM subjects from a young age.
As part of the event, the Nestlé apprentices: Katie Lloyd (Confectionery Apprentice), Joe Rudd (Finance Apprentice) William Pycroft (Engineering Apprentice) and Sascha Macchi (Commercial Trainee) took part in a "speed dating" session with teachers from the local area. The apprentices talked to the teachers about their careers and what inspired them to take up STEM subjects to demonstrate the importance of the STEM subjects for employability.
Katie Lloyd, Confectionery Apprentice, Nestlé UK & Ireland said of the event:
“It was amazing to be able to see the whole thing unfolding live and definitely a once in a life time experience to be part of a live link to space!”
Sascha Macchi, Commercial Trainee, Nestlé UK & Ireland added:
“The team were floating the microphone along to each other which was so incredible to watch and definitely not something I’d ever imagined being a part of – especially not for work!”
Tim Peake flew to International Space Station (ISS) in December 2015, and in addition to his mission duties and experiments, he has been active with ESA and the UK Space Agency in engaging young people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through a range of schemes.
The UK Space Agency is organising a conference for school pupils at the University of York on November 5. In addition to the conference the university will also be hosting an accompanying day of workshops and talks.