Mission to Mars
A launchpad for young tech talent
Mission to Mars is the ultimate work experience for students who want to dive into tech, tackle challenges, and have an awesome time along the way. It’s interactive, engaging, and filled with opportunities to develop essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. Oh, and did we mention you’ll get to code your own autonomous robots?
years of Mission to Mars
students' futures ignited
local tech companies involved
Building skills while having a blast
Here’s the story: there’s a company that has built a rover for Mars. The hardware is ready, but the software? That’s where you come in.
You and your team will be tasked with proving your ability to develop the operational code to bring a test rover to life. Think coding, teamwork, and big ideas – it’s like you’re part of a real-life tech start-up.
- Get into teams: You’ll create a company name, come up with values, and plan your strategy.
- Solve cool challenges: There are 18 tasks to complete, each earning your team some “Core Coins.” It’s all about solving problems and managing your resources.
- Hands-on fun: Build circuits, programme the rovers, and test your code - because learning is way more fun when you’re doing, not just watching.
- Agile awesomeness: And because we do things the Agile way, you’ll learn about standups, retrospectives, and working collaboratively.
- Presentation time: At the end of the period, you’ll showcase your hard work to an audience of parents, VIPs, and even potential future employers – it's your moment to shine!
Sounds good? Sign up for this years work experience here.
“Teamwork, communication and learning how to overcome the challenge of things not working or having work being rejected are key lessons I’ve carried on into my job and current education.”
Emily Kershaw | Mission to Mars Alumni
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Why join?
This isn’t your typical work experience where you just watch other people work. Mission to Mars gives you a proper deep dive into the tech world. You’ll:
- Learn new skills like coding, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Boost your confidence by tackling real-world challenges
- Explore the tech industry and see if it’s the career for you
Oh, and did we mention it’s a total blast?
Curious about where Mission to Mars could take you? Hear from past participants who’ve turned this epic experience into a launchpad for their tech journeys!
How do I apply?
The Work Experience 2027 starts here. This is a work experience and applying for a job starts with an application too.
Mission to Mars is open to any student, anywhere. The Mission experience is taking place the week of July 12th 2027 for five days. The location will be at the Fibrehub in Pool (Redruth).
Applications are open for the experience until all places are booked.
There are only 30 places for next July and places are assigned as we receive applications. Do not delay as we are generally full before the end of term.
Complete the application from the link just below.
For the Teachers
Mission to Mars has been inspiring young tech talent since 2015. It’s even won awards, like the Tech South West Best Education Initiative. Here is how it links to the skills and knowledge students will gain by attending.
- Applies the Computing and Computer Science curriculum through a real world software development project.
- Develops programming, algorithms, computational thinking, physical computing, testing and debugging skills.
- Combines coding with electronics, sensors, mathematics and engineering problem solving.
- Introduces professional software development practices including agile working, user stories, testing and version control.
- Builds teamwork, communication, resilience, creativity and independent problem solving.
- Gives students experience of taking a technology project from initial brief through development, testing and final presentation.
- Connects classroom learning with technology careers through direct contact with industry professionals.
- Creates opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills through practical outcomes and, where used, a GitHub portfolio.
Ready to blast off? Don’t miss your chance to join our next Mission to Mars. Sign up today for access to the mission.
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“The Mission to Mars week provides a fantastic experience for learners where they gain experience of what It is like to be a “real” software developer. We find that Mission to Mars is a great opportunity for learners to gain practical key skills in programming and team working which is invaluable in future practice. Learners thoroughly enjoy the Mission to Mars experience and are incredibly proud of everything they achieve across the week.”
Naomi Johns, Programme Manager, Truro and Penwith College
Why should the kids have all the fun?
Mission to Mars isn’t just for students – we can run bespoke adult sessions too! These are perfect for team building, skills assessments, or just a fun away day!
Whether it’s evaluating candidates for an apprenticeship programme or helping remote teams connect in person, Mission to Mars Professionals gets everyone working together, communicating, and solving challenges.
And trust us, the competitive edge kicks in quickly! From HR Heads to CIOs, participants often get so hooked they’ll want to skip lunch to keep testing their rovers.
So why not let your team blast off and see what they can achieve?
Contact us today to plan your bespoke mission.
