Hundreds of young cadets are getting a hands-on experience with STEM on Salisbury Plain this October half-term.
Nearly 290 cadets, aged 12-18, are currently rolling up their sleeves during a week of challenging, military-inspired STEM exercises that bring the realities of Army problem-solving to life.
Led by the Royal Signals and supported by 10 Army units, cadets will tackle tasks based on real Army scenarios, from designing helicopters to packing essential supplies for airlift missions. Each task is designed to test and build their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, mirroring the complexities that soldiers face in the field.
This year, girls make up over 40% of the participants, a welcome boost in an industry where women are still significantly underrepresented. It’s part of the Army’s wider push to encourage more young women into STEM careers, hoping to inspire future generations with these thrilling, real-world challenges.
Activities are set across Salisbury Plain’s rugged terrain, providing an authentic setting for the budding problem-solvers. Middle Wallop military base also hosted a visitor’s day, where Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns took part in a physics-based airlift challenge, reinforcing the relevance of these skills in practical military settings.
For the cadets, it’s a unique chance to not only develop their STEM skills but to catch a glimpse of what a future in the Army could hold.
