Engaging young people with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects is vital to the future of the UK's economy. This was the resounding message at the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) conference held at the Nottingham Science Park on 18 November 2009. The event saw representatives from educational institutions, regional businesses, industries, and local authorities gather to learn about the East Midlands and “Enriching the STEM workforce of tomorrow”.
The day involved a series of presentations, with BBC business correspondent Robert Pittam chairing the conference and introducing an array of guest speakers. The theme of these talks very much centred around teaching those who attended why engaging with STEM subjects is so important, what the East Midlands has achieved and where it needs to be in the future.
Martin Bryant, a board member for emda said, “If you look at the nature of competition within the industry, the UK is going to have to ensure it has the right people with the right skills for the types of jobs required in the future. We need to take advantage of the educational and industrial resources available now in order to create our workforce of tomorrow.”
Mr Bryant established early on during the conference that the East Midlands is a beacon for STEM subjects and is leading the way in manufacturing, biotechnology, renewable energy and sustainability.
However 17% of employers in the East Midlands STEM sector reported a skills gap in employees entering industry straight out of schools and universities. Two thirds of these employers are in technical fields where the necessary skills are either not being taught efficiently and practically or students are not engaging fully. Therefore the aim of emda’s partnerships with employers and employees in the STEM sector is to achieve greater learning, interest and skill acquisition to work towards regional development.
Nevertheless the benefits of involving young people with STEM subjects do not only centre around the regional economy. The talks also detailed the benefits for young people, such as raising aspirations, helping to identify career paths and learning skills that will improve employability.
Sir Alan Jones, the chairman of the Science, Engineering, Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance feels that a greater understanding of STEM gives both employers and employees an advantage. He said; “the talents STEM skills bring to industry is the ability to think in a logical way, and analyse critically and to a business this is worth a fortune.”
STEM industries are estimated to generate one-hundred and sixty billion pounds a year, and businesses need employees who will contribute the right skills, and fresh ideas. Sir Alan continued by emphasising that,” the East Midlands realises that STEM is the foundation of the new industries and the new jobs in the future.”
However the East Midlands does not only want to engage young people with STEM subjects, but feels there is a need to move adults into new industries and sectors. In times when financial concerns are high, employment is uncertain and technology continues to advance, learning new skills and reviving old knowledge is high on the agenda.
Another key theme of the day revolved around the future of the East Midlands STEM Partnership. emda already fund a number of initiatives and schemes in the area with both schools and colleges such as 'Lab in a Lorry' to enhance STEM learning. However the message was clear that more needs to be achieved if the UK is to compete in the future economy with two million more STEM related jobs needed by 2014.
Kate Bellingham is the National STEM Careers Co-ordinator for the Department for Children, Schools and Families and said that she felt she was, “preaching to the converted” at the conference. Previously Mrs Bellingham has worked in teaching and presented on the BBC program, Tomorrow's World and is encouraging other regions to learn from the East Midlands STEM Partnership. She said, “Get involved!”, as there is a shortage of people in the UK with the necessary STEM skills and enhancing these will be a win-win-win for young people, employers and the future of the economy.
STEM Student Journalist
Kayleigh Lawrence, University of Lincoln
STEM Student Journalist project was launched in April 2008 and already involves 33 educational institutions in Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. 192 pupils are registered as student reporters. The aim is to make every educational establishment aware of the project, and grow a strong network of young science communicators.