Blackburn College, Cambridge Regional College and Milton Keynes College have successfully completed STEM strategies. As part of the STEM strategy development, economic assessment identifies the strategic skillset needed for a specific region in which a college serves. Some of objectives in the environmental scanning process included:
Priority sectors were defined for Colleges on the basis of their contribution to the GVA of their regions, and their ability to generate the most employment opportunities. Growth priority sectors included advanced manufacturing (including aerospace, electronics, automotive, advanced flexible materials), chemicals, food and drink, low carbon (including nuclear), digital and creative.
These priority sectors were characterised by a dependence on STEM skills and the need to ensure that the majority of the workforce was skilled to level 3 or above. These sectors need improvement in innovation and enterprise skills, STEM skills, problem solving, customer handling, leadership and management skills.
West Cheshire College who previously completed their STEM strategy has now launched their STEM Manifesto. Within their STEM pledges the College identified key priorities in manufacturing; sustainability; mathematics and science core skills; life sciences; and engineering, construction and motor vehicle.
The STEM Manifesto outlined the College’s commitment to driving and supporting economic growth and prosperity.
Sara Mogel, Principal at the College, added: “Preparing students for a successful and sustainable career is central to our work as a college. Equally, we have a responsibility to support the economy across the region with staff who have the right knowledge and transferable skills to meet labour market needs. It is these duties that the STEM Manifesto and pledges are designed to address.”
For further information on STEM Strategy development please contact Dr Fallyn Campbell or Dr Jo Elloway on info@thenef.org.uk or 0208 786 3677
