Science | Technology | Engineering | Mathematics – North of Scotland partnership

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The STEM North of Scotland team provide advice on science, technology, engineering and mathematics available in the region, what pupil level the activities are suitable for, and how they link to the Curriculum for Excellence.

The aim of STEM is to increase the number of people with qualifications in these subject areas to contribute towards the a sustainable economic future for the Highlands and Islands.

What do the STEM team do?

The STEM team work with the Scottish Government to increase public appreciation of the role of science in society, with a particular focus on school children and those that influence them. The North of Scotland team manage two programmes on behalf of the national body STEMNET, and work with a range of partners to promote the STEM agenda.

In addition, STEM North of Scotland

• Manage the STEM Ambassadors scheme, which helps to establish contact between businesses and schools. This gives pupils access to industry role models to support lessons or at school events. Continuous work is done to recruit and train more ambassadors to extend the database.
• Provide advice and guidance for teachers through a Stempoint Manager, who works with 84 secondary schools in the region.
• Work with the STEM related organisations across the Highlands and Islands to support their direction and growth.
• In partnership with the Scottish Government, work to raise the profile of science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout the North of Scotland.
• Generate and support programmes to promote entrepreneurial thinking in young people.
• Provide advice and help for teachers and other people who are planning a STEM related event or activity.

• A regionally competitive economy needs high levels of skills and knowledge, and a skilled workforce attracts and creates well paid jobs.
• 5 of the 6 key sectors identified in the Scottish Government Economic Strategy (GES) are underpinned by STEM skills.
• 92% of UK employers across all sectors employ STEM skilled people (CBI 2009)
• Careers using STEM are the best paid in Scotland – in the food and drink, energy, finance and business services, life sciences, and the creative industries however only 13% of UK undergraduates in the UK are taking STEM degrees.
• 19,500 people between the ages of 16 and 34 have left the region to further their education, or better their job prospects. Frequently young people assume that their future employment is in distant towns and cities (NESTA, Rural Opportunities 2008).
• By the age of 14 most young people in Scotland have made subject choices which will decide the career path they follow for the rest of their lives.

For more information:

visit:

stemnorthofscotland.com provides information and advice for young people, teachers, parents, Ambassadors and everybody who is interested in STEM.

email:

ambassadors@hient.co.uk  or  stempoint@hient.co.uk

tel:

Laura Keenan, Stempoint Manager
01463 244 274

Janice Wallace, STEM Ambassador Co-ordinator
01463 244 287

Andrea Herb, STEM Development Manager
01463 244 528

Donna Chisholm, STEM Director
01463 244 497

Write to:

STEM North of Scotland
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Cowan House
Inverness Retail and Business Park
Inverness IV2 7GF