15th anniversary for South Yorkshire’s largest STEM event

South Yorkshire’s largest STEM careers showcase ‘Get up to Speed with STEM’ marked its 15th anniversary by extending to a two-day event and hosting a special evening celebration. Over 6,000 young people, educators and industry professionals took part in the event, which was held at Magna Science Adventure in Rotherham on 19-20 March.

The event started off with a business breakfast bringing together industry leaders to discuss the STEM skills gap, with speakers including Master Cutler Phillip Rodrigo, Richard Caborn (President of the Work Wise Foundation), Professor Ben Morgan (interim CEO of the AMRC) and Sheffield’s own aspiring future Formula 1 champion Rowan Campbell-Pilling streamed in live from Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands. The Work-wise Foundation’s CEO, John Barber, reflected on 15 years of Get up to Speed with STEM, which has grown rapidly over the years and has now offered experiences to over 50,000 young people.

Master Cutler Phillip Rodrigo discussed skills development, saying: “There’s still a need to signpost young people into industry and to where and how they can gain the right skills training. Manufacturing is experiencing a skills shortage and it’s what we as South Yorkshire businesses can do to introduce young people to our industries that will make the difference in developing a skilled workforce for the future.”

Professor Ben Morgan, Interim CEO of the AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), provided a glimpse into the future of STEM skills development: “Technology is moving faster than ever before, particularly with the use of artificial intelligence. Traditional manufacturing skills will continue to be highly valued but we’ll see these combined with new technologies and a focus on sustainable manufacturing.”

The highly anticipated Get up to Speed with STEM event offered a hands-on experience with around 100 exhibitors providing a real-life insight into the world of STEM careers. Activities throughout the two-day event included metal casting with United Cast Bar, drone football, learning about the workings of a McLaren car, taking part in ‘taskmaster’ challenges, designing their own inventions with Kids Invent Stuff, exploring nuclear fusion with the UK Atomic Energy Authority and having a go at virtual welding with the AMRC Training Centre.

The first day was dedicated to secondary school students and the second day welcomed primary school students and SEND young people.

John Barber said: “This has been an iconic Get up to Speed event. For a couple of years, we’ve had requests to extend it to a two-day event and it’s been fantastic to offer both primary, secondary and SEND pupils their own dedicated times to experience Get up to Speed. We’ve had a fantastic response from both teachers and pupils and we would like to thank all the businesses and organisations involved in putting on such amazing and interactive activities, which really have brought STEM careers to life.”

He continued: “We’ve had former pupils from the early days of Get up to Speed coming back to exhibit here now they have a career with a local manufacturing business. It’s incredible to think that their ambitions may have been sparked at Get up to Speed and now they’re showing the next generation just what their future could look like.”

Secondary school students also had the opportunity to explore the Big Melt Magna and fire, air and earth attractions at Magna Science Adventure Centre, which vividly showcases the region’s rich steel heritage.

A primary school teacher said: “I think the event is a fantastic way to get pupils thinking about their career options. I love that there is such a diverse range of companies and that the event was over two days, so primary school pupils attended during quieter times.”

A secondary school teacher added: “I found this year’s event highly practical, allowing students to be involved with the different stalls, which was amazing. The changes to the outside areas helped reduce crowding and provided more activities for students to do.”

The event concluded with a spectacular ‘Big 15’ celebration evening, which brought together many people who have supported Get up to Speed over the past 15 years. Hosted by Alex Gardner from Smile Business Support, the celebration featured a two-course meal, live music from Dave Perkins, magic from Andrew Dean and entertainers from Gullivers Valley Theme Park. Interactive activities included virtual flight simulator with Skills Street, a large scale race track and drone challenges with Iprosurv. A special recognition award was also presented to The Rt Hon Richard Caborn, who has been a great supporter, advocate and President of the Work-wise Foundation since its creation 15 years ago.

Since its establishment in 2011, Get up to Speed has introduced more than 50,000 young people and educators to the exciting world of STEM, helping to bridge the skills gap and inspire the next generation of innovators. The event provided businesses with a unique platform to connect directly with future talent, showcase their innovations and contribute to closing the STEM skills gap, while students and young people explored future careers in STEM and exciting innovations from STEM leaders.

Get up to Speed, organised by the Work-wise Foundation, is made possible thanks to the support of sponsors, including AESSEAL, CBE+, Sheffield Forgemasters, Stream7 and The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers as Gold Sponsors. DragonflyPR, Hydra Creative, Forged Solutions Group, the IET, the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Rowan Campbell-Pilling Formula 4 driver are Silver Sponsors, while a host of Bronze Sponsors include AMG Chrome, Ametek Land, Esh Construction, Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the Royal Navy, Element Materials Technology, Withers & Rogers LLP, Made in Sheffield and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre.