STEM
their awareness and understanding of STEM careers . Each partnership , which lasts for two years , can access up to £ 20,000 of support .
“ Employers face challenges such as a shortage of talent in the local area ; low applications ; a lack of employerready young people , or wider difficulties around diversity ,” explains Dainty . “ They often spend time and energy running ‘ one-off ’ enrichment activities for schools , but it ’ s difficult to understand the impact . We use the partnership to look at what both schools and
HOW AN ENTHUSE PARTNERSHIP WORKS
STEM Learning works with groups of four to eight schools and colleges to develop a bespoke two-year action plan which includes :
Teacher CPD - combining residential , and local and online
Resources - free , curated and quality assured
Teacher placements - immersion in industry or university
STEM Ambassadors - employees inspiring pupils and teachers
STEM Clubs - exciting young people and developing practical skills employers need , and co-design an action plan for both to implement over a sustained period .”
As part of this , STEM Learning works to understand local labour market information ( Gatsby Benchmark 2 ), opportunities available for further STEM study , or direct pathways into a career .
“ It ’ s getting to the crux of the Gatsby Benchmarks and looking at opportunities for young people to engage with employers ,” says Dainty .
The employer is then invited to work hands-on with groups of schools local to their sites ( see GSK case study , page 48 ). Participating schools build strong links with the employers and their workforce , including ‘ STEM ambassadors ’, who help bring STEM subjects to life and demonstrate their value in life and careers .
“ Ambassadors offer their time and enthusiasm to mentor young people , help teachers bring real-life STEM context to the classroom , and talk about career opportunities ,” adds Dainty .
STEM-specific CPD for teachers
She explains that , at the heart of the partnership , is STEM-specific CPD for teachers . “ If you can enthuse , motivate and instil a passion for the subject in a teacher who will work with hundreds of young people in the space of a ››
“ If you can instil a passion for the subject in a teacher who will work with hundreds of young people , you ’ ll have a greater impact ”
QUICK
READ
• There is a current shortfall of 173,000 skilled workers ; 89 % of STEM businesses struggle to recruit .
• The number of new STEM roles is expected to double in the next 10 years , which could have a significant impact on the economy if the skills shortage continues .
• STEM Learning ’ s ENTHUSE Partnerships inspire young people into STEM subjects and careers , by enabling groups of schools and colleges to improve young people ’ s achievement and engagement in STEM .
FUTURE TALENT // 47