As part of EDT’s Routes into STEM scheme, a group of 30 Year 9 and 10 (age 13 – 15) enjoyed three days of their half term at North Herts College in Stevenage, University of Hertfordshire and Vauxhall Motors Ltd in Luton.
Routes into STEM is a three day non-residential course designed to show students the exciting and diverse career opportunities that are available when studying STEM subjects at school.
The Students has the opportunity to meet role model apprentices and graduates, carry out fun activities during each day and listen to informative and engaging career presentations, as well as going on campus and site tours so that they could really get a feel of what life would be like on each pathway.
The course started off at North Herts College, who pulled out all the stops to give their students a memorable experience, while explaining the different types of course and apprenticeships available. Heather Almond, the Community Engagement Manager, said “It is fantastic to be part of the Routes into STEM Programme. It’s a great opportunity to give students an introduction to the College and STEM Careers. We have delivered some wild and innovative sessions as part of the Programme which we hope have encouraged the students to progress their passion for STEM”.
The second day was held at the University of Hertfordshire where the students got to meet Pepper the Robot and had a great introduction to Robotics through fun activities with Pepper! They also got to learn about the fascinating world of Computer Science & the exciting Formula Student Engineering Project. Nick Howell, The Senior Outreach Officer said “The Routes into STEM Programme offers young people a glimpse into their future career and the pathways they need to take to achieve their goals. The students get a unique opportunity to sample the courses running here at the University of Hertfordshire. This experience allows them to make their own well informed decisions”.
On the third day we were honoured to welcome a new Company Hosting Partner, Vauxhall Motors Ltd. They rounded the course off to perfection where the students enjoyed an action-packed day. The day was concluded with the students receiving an Industrial Cadets Bronze Level award, a nationally recognised Industry-led accreditation, inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales who is a Patron of Industrial Cadets.
