Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
The skill sets required in the workplace have changed significantly over the last decade, our global economy has dramatically evolved and requires new, innovative methods to train a future workforce. Driven mainly by technological advances many jobs have completely disappeared, due to automation, whilst new ones are appearing every day. The way students interact, learn and connect has also changed so a new programme of learning is required to address the balance.
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Key skills such as creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem-solving; personal effectiveness; planning and organising are among the new skills required to create a competitive workforce capable of adapting to the changing workplace.
°¬˛ćAƬ STEM Facilitation Project
The °¬˛ćAƬ STEM Facilitation Project pilot phase was initially launched early 2021 until March 2023 for the Ebbw Fawr schools cluster only. The aim of the project was to establish a co-ordinated programme of STEM support, centred on industry and was funded by Welsh Government through the Tech Valleys initiative.
The Tech Valleys programme is creating a perfect environment for the kind of clever, quick-thinking industries that are changing the way we live and work and it’s centred here in °¬˛ćAƬ. Our region is becoming a hi-tech hotbed for developing new technologies and advanced manufacturing with Welsh Government investing ÂŁ100m over 10 years to create 1,500-plus jobs. By 2027 °¬˛ćAƬ and the South Wales Valleys will be a globally recognised centre for developing new technologies to support cutting-edge industries. Tech Valleys are working with °¬˛ćAƬ County Borough Council, industry and academia to invest in the infrastructure and skills to make it happen and many tech companies have already made °¬˛ćAƬ their home.
Due to the success of the pilot phase of the °¬˛ćAƬ STEM Facilitation Project, Tech Valleys awarded additional funding to extend the project to March 2025 and to expand the offer to all schools across °¬˛ćAƬ. The BG STEM Facilitation Project team work with schools, providers and industry to raise the profile of STEM in the wider community and with schools to engage learners in order to prepare young people with the future skills that will be required in this area for high value, highly skilled jobs.
Key objectives:
- Establish and deliver a coordinated programme of STEM support for schools, centred on industry which is complimentary to the school curriculum.
- To raise awareness of opportunities and increase aspiration and attainment levels within STEM subjects.
- Address the disparity between males and females in STEM.
- Upskill and improve knowledge of digital skills with teachers and learners.
- Encourage the development of STEM work readiness in learners through business interventions / local industry.
For more information and up to date news, please see our BG STEM Project Padlet which can be accessed via this link -