South Yorkshire recently hosted one of the UK’s biggest ‘science, technology, engineering, manufacturing’ (STEM) and construction showcases for young people, attracting a record number of visitors from the region and beyond.
‘Get up to Speed’ with STEM is ‘designed to inspire students’ from eight to 25 years old about careers in science, technology and the manufacturing industries, through interactive activities and exhibitions. The event also gives young people the chance to see some of the UK’s most exciting STEM innovations and meet the people who design, build and operate them.
Held at the
Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, the show marked its tenth live event with more than 3,500 young people and over 200 business people in attendance — the largest number of visitors since
Get up to Speed began in 2011. The day-long showcase involved exhibitors from a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, renewable energy, military, emergency services and medical.
John Barber, CEO of the Work-wise Foundation, which organises the event, said: “
Get up to Speed is such an important event for our region and for the STEM industries. It was created to introduce, inspire, inform and interact with our next generation of scientist, engineers, designers and business leaders.
“It aims to not only reach out to young people but also the people who influence and advise them, so they too can understand the opportunities available not only now but also in the future. The event has become a key date in the calendar of hundreds of educators and parents or guardians around Yorkshire. The fact we have attracted our biggest audience yet shows just how relevant and important the showcase still is.”
This year,
Get up to Speed also saw more than 80 companies taking part to showcase their businesses, career opportunities and current vacancies. In addition, more than 100 people attended the event’s ‘Business Breakfast’, one of the largest STEM networking events in the region, which takes place prior to the main show. The theme this year was Digital Skills for Business Leaders and involved presentations from representatives of some of the region’s top digital companies.
Get up to Speed with STEM will return to the Magna Science Adventure Centre on 29 March 2023.