Tyne Metropolitan College has been awarded STEM Assured - an industry-led quality mark - by the New Engineering Foundation (NEF)
The standard recognises excellence in STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths) provision within the Further Education sector, with a particular focus on industry relevance and embedding STEM skills across a range of learning areas. More about STEM Assured
Following the independent validation panel’s decision to award STEM Assured status to TyneMet College, the NEF’s Dr Matthew Shelley said:
“TyneMet College are showing a strong commitment to providing high-quality opportunities in STEM for learners. There is excellent practice in the employer-led and work-based learning provision, including specialist curriculum such as in Waste Management. Industry resources are well used and are supported by some very good facilities at the College; there are indeed training facilities within the College that employers are looking to replicate. The College also has strong links with universities and actively creates new progression routes for learners from vocational courses to HE. The award of STEM Assured reflects the college’s dedication and passion across the STEM curriculum.”
Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive at TyneMet College, said:
“We are delighted to receive STEM Assured status. TyneMet is already a regional leader for Engineering and Technology, with a wide range of vocational courses designed to up-skill and advance both employees and employers. In the North East we have many leading companies who have significant demand for scientists and engineers but are held back by a lack of interest in these areas from young people. We promote these areas as highly rewarding career pathways by showing students the diverse and exciting industries which are thriving in their locality.”
Vic Reid, Director of Business Development and STEM Lead at the College, added:
“Employers are increasingly reporting a shortage of industry-specialist skilled technicians across a number of industrial and technological sectors. The College’s STEM Manifesto aims to ensure that learners are given an understanding of the connection between STEM subjects and specific skilled jobs, and also that STEM subject tutors are involved in the drive to encourage the development of new industries and technologies across the region.”
STEM Assured is recognised by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills (UKCES) and The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). The award reflects the College’s determination to be at the forefront of STEM provision and meet the needs of local and regional employers. Find out more about TyneMet College here
