Over 10 leading employers have partnered with leading social mobility charity Speakers for Schools, the Department for Economy and Pulsar Women in STEM, to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) -related careers to 1000 female students across Northern Ireland.
Starting in April 2022, those aged 14-18 are invited to sign up to free virtual work experience with employers such as Kainos, PwC, CAFRE, Greiner Packaging, Seagate, Fintru, NIE Networks, Manufacturing NI, Graham, Northern Ireland Screen, and TriMedika.
The importance of STEM expertise to the NI economy is accepted as key to maintaining international competitiveness. However, at present, there are not enough young people choosing science-related subjects to maintain a ready supply of skilled STEM specialists. Research from MATRIX points to a decline in in girls opting to study core STEM subjects between GCSE and A-Level/Further Education (FE)since 2014/15*.
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This new initiative between the Department for Economy, Speakers for Schools and Pulsar Women in STEM seeks to encourage more female students into STEM subjects with the aim of tackling the current skills shortages.
Speaking about the new initiative, Gordon Lyons, Minister for the Economy, said: “Increasing the number of women in STEM is at the heart of my Department’s Vision for a 10X Economy. The gender imbalance in the STEM workforce is an increasingly urgent issue, both economically and socially, and if we are to reach our full economic potential we must create an environment that encourages women and girls to study and take up careers in science and technology."
The scheme will introduce female role models in STEM careers, demystify roles in different sectors and build key skills such as confidence.
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Emer Murnaghan OBE, DfE Womenin STEM Steering Group and Pulsar, commented: “Breaking down barriers and encouraging girls and young women to remain in the STEM skills pipeline by delivering initiatives such as this in Northern Ireland where girls can explore the many varied, well paid, interesting and in-demand STEM career opportunities within their reach is an important step. We are delighted to work with the Department for the Economy and Speakers for Schools to inspire the next generation of women in STEM.”
Jason Elsom, Chief Executive Officer, Speakers for Schools, also added: “There is no limit to the impact of technology on careers of the future. There are many opportunities for the next generation, from fashion to augmented reality and even space exploration. This exciting partnership promises to shine a light on the many career opportunities that tomorrow’s world holds for young people in Northern Ireland.”
Find out more at https://www.speakersforschools.org/northern-ireland/
Source: Written from press release.
