Exciting STEM programme launches in Mid and East Antrim

Wednesday 22 May 2024

The STEM Ambassador Programme - fully funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - has an overarching aim of enabling all young people in the UK to engage with and connect with STEM, research and innovation, whatever their background. A dedicated funding stream was established by UKRI to encourage focus on a more targeted range of interventions for young people where there is most need. 

Guided by the Regional STEM Advisory Group, twelve regions across the UK received awards, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council being the only area to receive funding in Northern Ireland. The aim of the awards is to engage STEM Ambassadors in impactful sustained engagement to support young people with the most need in a region.

The ambitious programme will engage with over 300 young people in Year 9 in post primary schools throughout Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, from April to June.  Schools participating in this fully funded initiative include Cullybackey College, Ballymena Academy, Slemish College, Larne High School, Larne Grammar, Dunclug College, Castle Tower and St. Patrick’s College.

Through collaboration with local employers and STEM partners, the participating schools will each receive a number of workshops delivered on site.  Facilitators range from Armagh Planetarium and Observatory to the Royal Academy of Engineering - each delivering their own fascinating way of showing to students how STEM enriches our lives.

Pupils will have access to innovative workshops delivered by Armagh Planetarium and NI Space Office that will inspire pupils on the possibilities of life and careers in the not too distant future.  The Royal Academy of Engineering and local company partners will deliver immersive and hands on workshops that will showcase STEM subjects from a new perspective, providing inspiration for future academia selection and career opportunities.

Two further exhilarating STEM events are planned to take place in June - one at The Braid, Ballymena and one at Larne Leisure Centre - each bringing a fun and enjoyable end to the school year to over 300 Year 9 pupils.

At the events, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in engaging STEM workshops throughout the day.  Workshops include the intricacies of ‘Science in the Cinema’ led by the Nerve Centre and ‘Electric Power at Your Fingertips’ delivered by Caterpillar -  who will demonstrate how different forms of electric power generation will become integral to the industrial sites of the future. There will also be a 3D experience facilitated by NI Open Space where students will be taken on a journey through space and time that will highlight some of the amazing discoveries we have made about our own Solar System.

Students will also be able to challenge themselves to technological, engineering and science themed workshops from IPC Mouldings, Ryobi, Wright Bus and Kilwaughter Minerals, who have taken real world scenarios and created educational and fun workshops where students learn by doing.

The programme will culminate in August with an insight day for career teachers of local post primary schools - providing them with an opportunity to meet key employers and learn about career opportunities, pathways and roles within their organisation in the hope that relationships will be formed between schools ensuring a secure a pipeline of local talent in the borough.

For more information on the initiative and engagement opportunities, E: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.