Primary school children from Angus attended a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers event today (Wednesday 24 April) at Hayshead Primary School in Arbroath in a bid to ignite young minds and inspire them to take up careers in the industry.
Over 70 children attended the first of six STEM careers event, where they got the chance to find out about the diverse range of STEM careers available and experience interactive activities from local businesses/organisations.
The six events, organised by Angus Council, with collaboration from local businesses are designed through engaging activities to give children a glimpse into the dynamic world of STEM professions. The participating employers over the series of events include GSK, EW Edwardson, MVV Baldovie, Balfour Beatty, Robertsons, Angus Health and Social Work Partnership, Angus Health and Social Work Partnership District Nursing Team and NHS Tayside.
Convener of Family, Education and Justice, Cllr Lynne Devine said:
“It’s fantastic to see these STEM career events taking place in our local primary schools. Introducing children to the exciting opportunities within STEM careers at an early age broadens their horizons and helps to inspire the next generation to explore a career in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“The local businesses and employers exhibiting did a great job in bringing STEM to life for our young people. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership (one of the employers supporting the event), Chief Officer, Jillian Galloway, added:
"Angus Health and Social Care Partnership are delighted to be involved in this exciting opportunity to showcase a variety of roles staff undertake across Angus and how children can develop the skills they need for these roles through STEM. Pupils will be able to meet staff from a variety of professions and people including district nursing and social care workers. We will be explaining how health and social care colleagues work together and why supporting people in their own homes is such a rewarding career."
Donna Cooper, the STEM Engagement Lead at GSK in Montrose, who attended the event said:
“As a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together, we’re delighted to be participating in the Angus STEM careers event.
"At our manufacturing facility in Montrose as well as our other sites in the UK and around the world, we need talented people who are excited by the opportunities that STEM subjects can offer. I hope the event will spark an interest in STEM subjects for the children taking part today.”
The other five STEM careers events are running through April to June, in Ladyloan PS, Wardykes PS, Andover PS, Muirfield PS and Southmuir PS.