STEM Teacher Placement Programme

In recent years Business in the Community has been working in partnership with the Belfast Education & Library Board (BELB) and South Eastern Education & Library Board (SEELB) to deliver a five day industry-based work placement programme to local STEM teachers. The programme provides teachers with an opportunity to spend time with local employers, to enhance their knowledge and collate teaching and careers materials to assist schools to further promote these subject choices with pupils. 36 local STEM teachers were supported throughout 2010 and 97% of host companies said they would like to be involved in the programme again.

By 2014 demand for science, engineering and technology-related occupations is expected to have expanded by 730k and net requirement for these jobs is predicted to rise to 2.4m.

What is it?

This programme is delivered by Business in the Community in partnership with the Belfast Education & Libray Board and the South Eastern Education & Library Board (SELB) and is supported by the Department of Education.

The UK is a world leader in research and development, especially in areas including clean technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Presently we simply don’t have enough young people choosing science-related subjects to maintain a supply of skilled scientists. 

Teachers have a pivotal role in highlighting how relevant STEM subjects are in the current and future economy and job market. Businesses have the practical skills to understand how STEM fits in the working environment and can help shape the future workers.

This programme equips teachers and careers advisers with crucial information and new learning resources to help them engage their pupils and deliver Key Stage Three of STEM subjects ensure businesses benefit with both a higher quantity and quality of future STEM graduates.