An exciting new project being developed over three counties in North-West Wales aims to give young people some inspiration when it comes to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
STEM Gogledd is a three-year initiative which specifically targets students in secondary education aged between 11 and 19 years old.
Pupils from schools in Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd will be invited to take part in “taster” days that explore some of the less well-known careers available within the STEM sector, with the aim of giving them a better understanding of the opportunities and the careers available to them.
The project was officially launched by Kirsty Williams AM at M-Sparc last month, with 24 pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and Ysgol David Hughes attending the first event at Coleg Menai, specifically geared toward the Food Industry.
STEM Mentor Tanya Jones from Careers Wales said, “We at STEM Gogledd have been overwhelmed by the positive response from the schools and students towards this project. Students have been given the opportunity to use STEM skills in a dynamic environment, allowing them to experience and interact with industry.”
She added, “To put this project into a local context with the food industry, students will get the opportunity to visit Glanbia Cheese Factory, Llangefni and Fferam y Llan, Llangristiolus to fully understand the process of ‘farm to fork.’ There is also another event already planned for November with Ysgol Sir Thomas Jones, Amlwch, which will be supported by Dylan’s, The Healthy Shed and Hannah Jones, from the Welsh Rugby Union. This project has great potential, and will go from strength to strength.
We would like to thank Coleg Menai and The Food Technology Centre for their support in implementing such an exciting and innovative project, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future projects.”
Coleg Menai Service Industries Programme Area Manager Fran Davies said, “We are extremely excited to be working with STEM Gogledd and local schools in order to promote catering and food technology as viable careers, and I believe these events will give pupils the opportunity to discover the wealth and variety of opportunities available within the industry.”
Business Development Adviser Paul Jones from the Food Technology Centre in Llangefni added, “The team at the Food Technology Centre were keen to get involved in the STEM Gogledd event in order to raise awareness of the excellent career opportunities available within the food and drink manufacturing sector.
The Food Technology Centre staff are passionate about all aspects of food and drink, and have all enjoyed successful and diverse careers locally within the food and drink industry. This was a great opportunity to share our experiences with the students that we hope will have bright futures in this ever-growing and dynamic sector.”
Coleg Menai offers a range of courses in Hospitality and Catering. For more information, please visit our website at www.gllm.ac.uk/hospitality or contact our course advice line on 01248 383333.
