Nearly 1,000 secondary school pupils from across the city are descending on the Glasgow Science Centre over the next couple of days to learn all about STEM careers from a variety of employers who will be highlighting the benefits of their industries.
The young people will also get the opportunity to take part in 71 special industry led workshops being led by more than 45 employers.
A special STEMFest19 Family day will also be held at the Science Centre this Saturday, 16 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 will 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 will be 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 will be transporting target groups and families from across the city to the Glasgow Science Centre event this Saturday who will get free entry to STEMFest.
