The COVID-19 pandemic forced every organisation with an educational engagement programme to rethink the way they connected with potential future recruits.

At Inmarsat, we have long shared our passion about satellite technology with the pioneers of the future, inspiring children as young as five to engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

But when much of the world went into lockdown last March, all our educational and early careers activities came to a sudden halt. Whereas in 2019 Inmarsat invited over 1,000 young people into our Silicon Roundabout, London headquarters, for much of 2020 it was just essential operational staff allowed through the doors as we transitioned to remote working.

But as in so many areas of business, the pandemic way of working has revealed new opportunities for delivering outreach activities. “While we very much look forward to inviting schools, uniformed groups and military cadets, work experience students and interns back to HQ, the ongoing restrictions mean there is a need to offer virtual alternatives to keep these important connections going strong,” explained Julie Hyam, Resourcing Business Partner for Inmarsat’s Entry Level Programmes.

Inmarsat Passport Programme

A 35-hour virtual work experience ‘passport’, valid for three months, for 14-18 year olds. The aim of the programme is to showcase various careers and help teens grow in confidence and think about their future work options.

Virtual work experience

For those who complete the passport programme and discover a real passion for satellite communications or a particular role within the company, this is a chance to work virtually alongside an Inmarsat employee for one week. Successful applicants will be given a research-based task based on a live project, attend team meetings and informal coffee breaks, and deliver a presentation on their findings.

STEM school packs

Our curriculum packs will help teachers and youth group leaders deliver STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) activities. Aimed at various age groups, the packs are designed to build excitement about and interest in tech – for example, by looking at how satellite communications keep vessels safe from piracy and challenging children to build their own compass or pirate ship.

Inmarsat Strategy Challenge

Our long-running, eight-week Inmarsat Strategy Challenge has given hundreds of sixth form students the chance to gain valuable knowledge from our experts while investigating how to use satellite connectivity to improve life – from bridging the digital divide in emerging economies to aiding disaster relief. Now, we are making it accessible to schools all around the world.

Virtual internships

A three-month, paid work placement designed to be mutually beneficial – giving candidates real work and research tasks with the support of a manager and buddy, and giving us the opportunity to discover young talent. Internships are open to students already at or about to enter university.

Julie said: “We are confident that, through this virtual programme, we will be able to reach many more young people from all backgrounds and let them see for themselves all the rewarding opportunities a STEM career can offer.

“After all the disruption to their education that young people have had to contend with this year, it is exciting and rewarding for everyone involved at Inmarsat to be able to help them look ahead to a bright future.”