Business-Powered Education: How Tech Companies Can Re-energise STEM Education
If you’ve been following the GIC blog, you’ll have noticed that we’ve been exploring the topic of design and technology (D&T) and the benefits it provides to young learners. More than just a school subject that’s slowly sliding off the curriculum, D&T is a way to inspire innovation and invention.
This is critical if we hope to fill the current skill gaps in the UK, which are echoed in many countries around the world. Companies in multiple industries are crying out for more engineers, graphic designers, and electricians. Yet many of these companies could provide the answers to these talent shortages by working closely with schools, tech education organizations, and young learners.
A Growing Shortage of Skills
A recent bulletin highlighted numerous causes for the skills gaps in the UK, from geopolitical unrest to the repercussions of the recent pandemic. It also highlighted that the labour market is changing in the wake of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). As the world changes, the way we educate should change along with it. Children and young people will benefit from coding, analysis, and engineering skills in order to thrive in the society of tomorrow.
One of the UK’s critical industrial transformations is the shift toward a low-carbon economy. For this, companies require skilled workers ranging from electricians to heat-pump engineers; systems control analysts to network designers. Yet according to a recent report in the Guardian, these abilities are in short supply right now. A greener economy could generate 1.6 million jobs — if applicants had the relevant skills.
A lack of appropriate qualifications and experience could ultimately slow the progress toward net zero carbon goals.
How Business and Education Combine to Address Talent Shortages
While the outlook seems bleak, some organisations are facing these challenges head-on. The D&T Association has rolled out the Blueprint 1000® initiative. Their goal is to encourage lasting relationships between companies and schools, with benefits to everyone including:
· Increasing the diversity of the talent pool by engaging with students from different backgrounds.
· Supporting tech and STEM education and promoting skills and subjects that are currently under-subscribed in UK schools.
· Schools gain more support from external partners and can utilise these partnerships to attract more students.
· Students get the opportunity to visit, work with, and build relationships with companies — they learn about the industries that they could end up working in.
· Companies uncover more ways to hit their corporate social responsibility (CSR) targets, gaining positive PR that builds their reputation.
Supporters of the scheme include Sir James Dyson who says, “It is encouraging to know that teachers will be equipped with industry-relevant knowledge and skills to teach young people about the exciting, creative and challenging world of engineering.”
Blueprint 1000® isn’t the only initiative looking at increasing tech-based education and vocational opportunities for young people. The STEM Learning website highlights a number of design challenges for students of all ages. Many of these are submitted by tech companies, and reflect genuine engineering or manufacturing challenges faced within that industry.
Siemens now partners with seven UK universities as part of its research and development efforts. Higher education students could find opportunities within this company if they study relevant subjects and build good relationships. Topics include routes to net zero, the future of manufacturing, decarbonisation, and more.
Tech Companies: How You Can Get Involved Early
Clearly, there are some great opportunities for technology companies to invest in the talent of the future. If you’re a decision-maker within a technology, manufacturing, or engineering company, consider taking the following steps.
Liaise With Local Educators
Schools, home education groups, and special education needs facilities can all benefit from interaction with tech companies. Liaise with schools (and other educators) to find out what you need to do in order to visit and interact with kids excited about technology. If you can’t visit in person, consider videos, apps, or interactive web-based content that becomes a virtual brand ambassador while providing genuinely useful education.
Provide Opportunities for Learners
Coming into schools and doing talks and demos is great. Go one step further and invite kids and young people to come to you. Make parts of your organization safe and accessible so students can learn exactly what working for you entails.
Partner With a Grassroots Organization
When you want to get involved in a community, it’s best to get advice from a group that’s already doing it successfully.
Girls Into Coding reaches thousands of girls interested in STEM and tech education each year. We do this with the help and support of partners like EPAM, Octopus Energy, Nvidia, and so many more. These companies gain the many benefits of working with a trusted organisation that already has deep roots within the community. Plus, our sponsors know they’re investing in the women in tech of the future.
If you want to find out more about partnering with Girls Into Coding, please request a sponsor brochure here or contact us at info@girlsintocoding.com. Become part of the driving force behind a future where technological skills gaps are a thing of the past.
