STEM Course for 13 - 15 Year Olds

[SaintedRoots]

Hi Everyone!

I work for a charity called Engineering Development Trust which is delivering a 3 day course focused on Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths that is taking place in London, Southampton & Plymouth. www.etrust.org.uk/routes-stem

The course is really exciting as it gives 13 - 15 year olds an opportunity to visit a college, uni and company all with the view of giving them insights that will help them make decisions about which career and how to get there.

I joined this team only recently cause I honestly wish I had something like this at school. I really loved science but short of being a scientist I never really understood what careers were available.

We are particular keen to inspire girls as only 9% of engineers are female! Which is crazy as engineering is all about problem solving and I personally think women are better at this!

Would love your thoughts.

Love this idea but why so focused on the South of England?

Love this idea but why so focused on the South of England?

Thats because us northerners are obviously not cut out for STEM careers either that or southerners are less likely than northerners to pursue STEM careers so need more STEM events .

DD is pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering without having gone to a single STEM event and I'm at University pursuing a STEM career. I can confirm that on my course its majority females studying (75%) and thats the general student make up across the University.

I'm not convinced these courses are entirely necessary anymore.

Hi guys, thank you for adding to my thread! We have previously ran our Routes course in the North but we have struggled to fill the courses. I promise there is no North/South discrimination here! :)

Hi ReinettePompadour,

I understand your perspective on this! However I disagree with you in regards to if there is a need for this course. I know on your course there are 75% women but in reality only 9% of engineers are women as we currently speak. Also 20,000 roles go unfilled every year because of lack of skills.

This course is more focused on helping students with their decision making at GCSEs and beyond. It gives students an opportunity to find which discipline of STEM interests them most to pursue a career in and which academic route they can take to help them achieve this.

I think if you are not around an engineer or someone who is in a STEM based job role its hard to understand what your career options are.

Also this course is not focused on academic achievement. We can successfully engaged both the academically gifted as well as those hands on students who are more practically minded. There are opportunities for all students and that's what makes what we do so impactful.

Also so excited that you are on a STEM course! :)

As an academic working in STEM, I would highlight that universities offer equivalent courses, usually for free if they are not residential. £125 is not trivial for many families to find, and it seems there are very few bursaries available.