The STEM Reboot programme, a Science and Industry Museum project to inspire young people in Greater Manchester to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects, has secured additional funding to help close the skills gap.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has awarded the programme £50,000 following work being done throughout the pandemic to provide a platform to a wide network of organisations working to bridge the STEM skills gap in the city-region.
STEM Booster Kits will be de distributed to libraries, schools and community groups by the Science and Industry Museum across all 10 boroughs. Packs will include practical activities designed to ignite the curiosity of young learners aged 7 to 14 around some of Greater Manchester’s key STEM industry strengths. Led by industry experts from the museum, the programme will also continue to support organisations, employers and academic institutions in their efforts to inspire young people.
Sally MacDonald, Director of the Science and Industry museum, said:
We are lucky in Greater Manchester to be part of such a rich network of organisations leading the development of STEM skills through schools and other platforms.
“We would normally welcome and provide inspiring activities for over 85, 000 schoolchildren a year at our city centre site. Like many organisations we have to find new ways to reach our audiences during the coronavirus pandemic. We know there is a risk we miss the opportunity to keep young people and their families inspired. STEM subjects have been so important to Manchester’s past and are absolutely crucial to our future. We are even more committed than ever to help our young people and communities build confidence in science and develop skills and life chances for everyone.”
The funding follows an agreement last year between GMCA and the Science and Industry Museum to work together to bridge the STEM skills gap and enhance Greater Manchester’s standing as a world leading city for STEM excellence.
There will be an employer led approach to identify and increase the pipeline for priority occupations we need now and in the future. The framework will also tackle long-term challenges related to STEM such as negative perceptions and stereotypes, including:
- Priority occupations – Increase the talent pipeline for some specific occupations where we know we need jobs now and in the future.
- Mobilising social value to drive the right STEM engagement from employers – We will support STEM contractors to deliver quality social value, measure their impact and better engage with schools and colleges.
- Making Greater Manchester residents aware of the opportunity – Through engagement with school and non-school settings and communicating the offer to all ages in our communities not just the young.
- Raising the profile of STEM – Ensure all our residents value their STEM skills, knowledge and qualifications and understand our STEM industries offer great places to enter and progress in work.
Cllr Sean Fielding, GMCA lead for works and skills, said:
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the future of Greater Manchester holds great opportunities for Science Technology Engineering and Maths – from our strong pipeline of construction and infrastructure, to our world leading strengths in advanced manufacturing and materials.
“Our STEM sectors remain areas of growth and resilience during this pandemic, with sectors such as digital, as well as health and social care continuing to recruit and grow. This programme is designed to reach young people in all 10 local authority areas and not just in school. We recognise community groups have a valuable part to play in delivering messages to support young people and the people who influence them to remain optimistic about the future, while highlighting STEM skills and career pathways.”