AN ABERDEEN based charity has launched a new programme to enhance student awareness of innovation processes.
STEM into Innovation has been designed by TechFest and supported by the NCR foundation.
It aims to equip students with entrepreneurial skills for employers and higher education institutions, enhancing their academic and career prospects in STEM fields.
The programme is aimed at secondary school students and offers activities such as activity booklets and also gives students in S1 – S2 the chance to hear interviews with industry professionals.
Sarah Chew, managing director of TechFest, said: “STEM into Innovation taps into Scotland’s rich design and manufacturing heritage, equipping students with the skills and mindset to become Scotland’s next STEM leaders.
“It is a CREST-accredited programme that empowers students to unlock their full STEM potential and strengthens their CVs and UCAS applications.
“It also equips them with the skills and mindset needed to bridge the industry skills gap.
“STEM into Innovation is committed to creating greater diversity and equality through encouraging more young people to consider a career in the engineering or science industries.”
TechFest delivered a range of ‘masterclasses’ for students as part of STEM into Innovation, where students could gain practical experience.
The masterclasses, held in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee, allowed young people to gain insights into entrepreneurship and product development from industry professionals.
A masterclass conducted by Horizon Educational, organisers of the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), concluded the 2024 programme on the 23rd of November in Aberdeen with a focus on engineering design and innovation.
Tobias Lundsgaard, product development manager at Horizon Educational, said: “Being able to bridge the gap between the products we develop in our R&D centre and the students we serve has been an invaluable aspect of TechFest’s STEM into Innovation programme.
“Getting to know these students – and being able to give them a glimpse into my product development process has reminded me of why I chose to pursue a career at Horizon Educational: to help build future leaders with a passion for STEM and Conscious Design.”
It was now thought that students who participated would have the necessary knowledge to design a product and practical insights and skills to enhance their future academic and career prospects.
Other organisations, including Scottish Enterprise, TL Tech, National Robotarium, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parcs (MSIP), Dr John N A Brown from Robert Gordon University, and Scott & Fyfe, held masterclasses throughout Scotland.
Caroline Lawrenson, managing director of TL Tech, said: “It can be hard for young people to know what they want to do when they leave school, but there is often a common thread where they talk about how they want to make a difference.
“Innovation at its heart is about solving problems and making a positive impact.
“The Theory of Change framework is a great way to investigate a problem and define how you will make the best use of your resources.
“During the workshop, it was wonderful to see the young people apply this knowledge about the Theory of Change and their own experiences of STEM education to TechFest as an organisation to identify areas of growth and a vision for the future.”
This CREST-accredited programme, Pioneers of Progress, runs throughout the academic year, alongside all other STEM into Innovation events and will continue to be available in the next school year, offering students ongoing opportunities to engage with STEM.
