HIE and UHI inspire the region's future workforce
31st July 2011
Young people across the Highlands and Islands are to be encouraged and inspired to take qualifications in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), thanks to Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
HIE has been successful in its bid to secure a new 45 month contract with STEMNET, a national organisation that creates opportunities to inspire young people in STEM.
The new arrangements will see the development agency continuing to expand its successful STEM Ambassador programme and entering into partnership with UHI, who will deliver the STEM Schools Advisory Network.
There are now in excess of 500 STEM Ambassadors from more than 100 businesses and organisations in the Highlands and Islands who volunteer their time to inspire and enthuse young people, helping to bring STEM subjects alive through their own first hand experience. These Ambassadors represent a wide range of companies across all STEM disciplines and at all levels, from apprentice engineers to chief executives. They act as a free resource to all secondary schools across the region and can help with classroom projects, lunchtime STEM clubs or by giving careers talks.
Janice Wallace, STEM Ambassador Coordinator from HIE said: "Many young people's careers are influenced by the people they come into contact with and our Ambassadors act as positive role models for STEM subjects. They help to represent the many industries which rely on STEM skilled people and they show the great diversity of opportunities available within the region."
UHI is currently advertising for a STEMNET coordinator whose role will include providing resources and information to teachers which supports the STEM curriculum and encouraging them to incorporate STEM Ambassador activities into their teaching.
Ian Leslie, Dean of Science, Health and Education said: "UHI has a key role to play in increasing awareness of STEM and the opportunities available locally. By reaching outside the classroom, teachers and lecturers collaborate across subjects, enhance and enrich the school curriculum, make links with the world of work, and use varied contexts to help young people relate school science and mathematics with their real-world experience of STEM.
"Effective and inspiring teachers, are vital to raising students' enjoyment of, enthusiasm for, and achievement in STEM subjects and through our delivery of the STEM Schools Advisory Network we intend to support them in the best way we can."
The contract, which runs from 1 July 2011 to 31 March 2015, covers the region's 74 secondary schools in Highland, Moray, Argyll and Bute, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
For more information visit www.stemnorthofscotland.com or phone Janice Wallace on 01463 244287.
More information on STEMNET can be found by visiting www.stemnet.org.uk
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Up to 50% match funding grants of between £25,000 and £75,000 to help companies accelerate their growth plans. Life sciences businesses in the Highlands and Islands that are looking to invest in capital growth projects will be able to apply for support through a new fund announced today (18 September).
The transformation at John O'Groats has attracted millions of pounds in investment through private, public and community-led initiatives. Monday 9 September 2024 marked the 15th anniversary of a masterplan that has helped to transform John O'Groats from ‘Carbuncle of the Year' to a thriving visitor attraction.
The chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) has announced that she is retiring later this month. Susan Smith, who has held the top job at the popular mountain resort near Aviemore for the past five years, has told staff she will leave the company at the end of September.
Caithness-based engineering firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd is investing in new technology that will help increase business turnover and productivity while cutting carbon emissions. The company has purchased a Leica Geosystems mobile 3D scanner after securing a £6,390 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the total cost of £21,300.
A £5.9m project to create a new whisky distillery within the former derelict Mill at Castletown in Caithness has secured a £250,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Dunnet Bay Distillers Limited (DBDL) is leading the project, which will create 13 jobs.
As a result of HIE's support, businesses in the area are set to see combined turnover rise by £22.4m, while international sales will grow by £661,000. Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in Caithness and Sutherland during last financial year are set to create or retain more than 50 jobs.
A project is nearing completion in Argyll to bring an exciting new alternative to the single use polypropylene bulk builders' bag to global markets. The project has been awarded UK Government funding through the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) shared prosperity fund to develop and obtain certification (FIBC) for it to go to market.
A major drive to combat global challenges in the animal health, agritech and aquaculture sectors using digital technology will be revealed at A3 Scotland this September. Interested participants are invited to sign up for the event which will see leaders from across the three sectors gathering at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on the 18th and 19th of September 2024.
Latest HIE plan builds on the region's opportunities. The document sets out how the organisation will work towards building and sustaining a greener, fairer and more resilient region and strengthening the contribution this makes to Scotland's economy and that of the UK.
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship. A new £8.1m facility is to be built in Argyll to help meet increasing demand for offices and laboratory facilities from companies in the growing marine science sector.
