STEM careers given boost
An event aimed at getting young people interested in STEM careers has been hailed a success.
Full Steam Ahead, which was hosted by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Life Ready Work Ready programme, saw 100 pupils from nine schools in borough take part.
The event, last week (26 SEPT) was designed to enthuse and inspire local young people to consider careers in STEM and promote potential future opportunities with local businesses.
14 local businesses, including the RAF, AICO and Avara, offered activities to pupils to give them an idea of the diverse skills required for different types of jobs.
Each of the businesses brought an activity for the pupils to try out. These included:
Building a parachute and protection for an egg with the RAF;
Opening up a plug and finding out how it works with Marches Centre for Manufacturing Technology;
Managing a production line with Avara;
And rebuilding a PC with Wrekin Housing Trust.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We still have major shortages of young people pursuing careers in STEM and are always looking for opportunities to introduce these industries and careers to them.
“We wanted to dispel some of the myths around STEM too and this event has helped to engage and enthuse local school pupils.
“Everyone who attended left with a big smile and told us how good it was – we’re really hoping to make this an annual event.”
