Call for more investment in tomorrow's workforce

Executives from Drallim, ARM, Omega Ingredients, AstraZeneca, Jee, RWE npower, GlaxoSmithKline and Siemens have all joined STEMNET in stressing how important it is that employers get directly involved in supporting and developing tomorrow's workforce. There is wide consensus from employers and government that skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) are essential to securing the future success of UK industries. STEMNET's chief executive Kirsten Bodley says that STEM skills are crucial to the UK's economic future and that it is in the interests of companies to give time to illustrate the relevance of STEM subjects to rewarding and interesting careers. "It's clear that the big growth areas in the coming decades are going to be those that require proficiency in STEM skills," says Ms Bodley. "Whether that's building giant wind turbines or microscopic electronic components, we will need a highly-qualified and STEM-literate workforce. However, unless STEM-reliant industries play their part we will struggle to reach the required level." STEMNET is currently calling for companies to get involved in The Big Bang London and South East, which will take place on 22 June at the Science Museum. It will be an inspirational event with more than 3,000 young people from hundreds of schools expected to attend and be enthused by exciting STEM demonstrations. Corporate sponsors will benefit from an enhanced relationship with schools, networking opportunities, fulfilling CSR objectives and helping to meet their future skills needs. Companies interested in getting involved should contact STEMNET on info@stemnet.org.uk