Inspiring future minds: local employers bring real-world insights to schools

We may be coming into winter, but the year-long ‘Activate Your Curiosity Science Summer School’ initiative is continuing apace – with school engagement visits that are inspiring the workforce of the future.

Science Summer School NI is a Manufacturing Task Force initiative and is supported by the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and funded by the Department for Communities.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The Activate Your Curiosity, Science Summer School Initiative is also funded by private sponsorship from local employers in the Borough and recently, new Company Sponsors EPUKI, welcomed Year 13 & 14 engineering students from Larne High School to learn more about career opportunities available and get a glimpse behind the scenes at one of the country’s main power stations.

Welcoming students on site on behalf of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was Alderman Tom Gordon who, in thanking EPUKI for their hospitality, said:

“Company visits offer students a tremendous insight into future career paths. These visits provide opportunities to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, helping our students make informed decisions about their future career opportunities. I am delighted to be attending the first school visit hosted by EPUKI at their Ballylumford site and am excited to see this opportunity extended to other schools across the Borough.”

Engagement between schools and employers is a core element of the Science Summer School initiative – designed to bridge the gap between education and industry – and equip students with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The initiative continues to roll out across more schools in the region, with further activities planned throughout the year. This collaborative effort between schools and industry partners aims to prepare the next generation for the opportunities and challenges of the modern workforce.

In January 2025, the initiative will host its annual ‘Activate Your Curiosity’ STEM event welcoming 400 Year 10 Students for a fun filled day of hands on, engaging workshops and inspirational TED talks from employers and industry leaders.  The event will once again welcome Professor Brian Cox, CBE, FES to The Braid in Ballymena and the day will culminate with an evening of activities including a Mini Career Fair and an inspiration Career Panel Event featuring industry leaders.

Science Summer School NI 2024/25 is headlined by Kilwaughter Minerals and sponsored by Michelin Development, Ryobi, Caterpillar, Moore Concrete, GES, Teva, Terumo, Wright Bus, EPUKI and Phoenix Energy.

For more information on the initiative or if you would like to get involved, please contact amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk