Employers and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) partners met at 3M Health Care Limited, Loughborough on 3 March to look at how problem solving skills are essential for today's science, technology and engineering advancements.
An audience of over 70 partners came together to explore the role of problem solving skills within the context of the East Midlands economic priority sectors as identified by emda in the Regional Economic Strategy (RES); Transport Equipment, Food and Drink, Sustainable Construction and Healthcare and Bioscience. Delegates were able to gain an understanding of how maths skills can improve young people's employability prospects, and find out about maths-related activities that are being used to inspire them.
Delegates heard from keynote speaker Dr Bryan Jackson, Chairman of emda, about the importance of the Agency's STEM programmes in making science and maths more exciting and relevant to young people.
He said: "There are many factors that that will influence the choice of career our students make - amongst them the technological revolution that is changing the nature of our economy. Businesses working in these cutting edge fields need good quality people with STEM qualifications.
"This is why our £9m STEM Programme is so important. We are connecting schools with businesses to help young people to get a better understanding of the world of work and to increase their interest in careers in science, technology and maths.
"By starting in the classroom, we aim to address the region's low GCSE attainment rates in these subjects, encourage post-16 education and undergraduate study. This will help to achieve the necessary culture change needed to compete in a global market place that is increasingly knowledge and technology-driven."
Rob Farr, The Energy MC, also spoke at the event, looking at the importance of STEM and problem solving skills in energy sustainability. Rob said "The energy 'crisis' that we and future generations face is, in my view, better seen as a 'challenge' than a 'crisis'. With the right scientific, mathematical and engineering skills the next generation will be much better prepared to deal with the task in hand. I am always excited about the opportunity to explain why STEM problem solving skills will be vital in ensuring a sustainable future."
The Forum event took place in one of the region's flagship science-based companies, 3M Health Care Limited. Dave Smith, Manufacturing Operations Manager at 3M said "We are delighted to be hosting the East Midlands STEM Partnership Forum event, 'STEM From Every Angle' at our site in Loughborough. Encouraging a problem solving mindset in our employees is critical to an innovative organisation like 3M so that we can develop products and services which best meet our customers' needs, and improve the myriad of business processes which support economic success. Encouraging problem solving skills at an earlier age through changes to the maths curriculum will help ensure young people are better equipped to meet the challenges of industry."
For more information, visit: www.emda.org.uk