3rd Annual STEMFest at Glasgow Science Centre

Published: 18 November 2019

Nearly 1,000 secondary school pupils from across the city descended on the Glasgow Science Centre over two days to learn all about STEM careers from a variety of employers who highlighted the benefits of their industries.

The young people also got the opportunity to take part in 71 special industry led workshops being led by more than 45 employers.

A special STEMFest19 Family day was also organise and deemed a great success on Saturday16 November and sponsored by the Glasgow Science Centre, DYW Glasgow and First Bus.

The event, now in its third year, is supported by Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow (DYW) which is hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and specifically focused on STEM careers and pathways.

As Alex McLaughlin, STEM Development officer at Glasgow City Council explains: "It's really important that we highlight the many different pathways into a career in STEM - there's so many industries that are a very attractive prospect to our secondary pupils - and what better way to find out that meeting and seeing these employers in action.

"We are targeting girls and boys in S2 and S3 as this is when our young people are starting to think about their career pathways and their subject choices.

"The aim of the event is to provide awareness to young people and their families of the wealth of STEM opportunities available.

"Over the two days young people were able to learn about the key skills required for the world of work and how this supports the DYW agenda."

STEMFest19 aims to build on the success of the last couple of years and raise awareness of the wide-ranging opportunities in STEM - and breaking myths about these jobs only being for boys!

Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce echoes Alex's sentiments about how important it is to raise awareness and said today: "We are delighted to support the festival and marketplace where more than 45 businesses were available to inspire and advise Glasgow pupils.

"It is really important for our young people to have access to the wide scope of possibilities which are available to them. The sky's the limit! This important partnership will help enable young people to make an informed decision about their career options.

"This is about widening access to all families across the city - and we know families are such an important influence - so that everyone is afforded the same opportunities."

First Bus helped transport target groups and families from across the city to the Glasgow Science Centre event who received free entry to STEMFest.

Employers and organisations taking part include:

Atkins; BAE Systems; BAM Construction; Caledonian University; Chartered Institute of Building; City of Glasgow College; CGI; Digital Health and Care Institute; Food and Drink Federation Scotland; Historic Environment Scotland; Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre; Glasgow Science Centre; Glasgow Scientific Services; Institute of Civil Engineers; JP Morgan Chase; Keepmoat Homes; Lantra; McTaggart's; Multiplex; NHS; Royal Society of Chemistry; RSPB Scotland; Scottish Water; Skills Development Scotland; SP Energy Network; SSE; University of Glasgow: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography & Earth Science, Mathematics & Statistics and Physics; University of Strathclyde: Computing & Information Science, Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, Pharmacy &
Biomedical Science, Physics; University of the West of Scotland.

DYW

Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow: DYW Glasgow is hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and is part of the Scottish Government's plan to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021. It works closely with businesses across Glasgow to proactively identify and create opportunities for young people to improve their skills and employability.

Look up all things STEM in Glasgow.