The STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sector plays a vital role in the economic growth of the UK, but there are concerns around the availability of STEM skills in the UK workforce. This threatens to restrict productivity, reducing opportunities for innovation and hindering long-term growth.
49% of engineering and technology businesses report difficulties with recruitment because of skills shortages, according to the government, and these skills shortages across different sub-sectors of STEM are estimated to cost the UK economy £1.5 billion a year.
To tackle this issue at the source, we need to encourage young people into STEM careers. Almost every industry is connected to STEM, whether directly or through other elements like their supply chains, so promoting these skills is vital for preparing the workforce of the future.
Promoting STEM in Lincolnshire
Although the skills shortage is a national issue, it needs to be addressed at a local level so that businesses in STEM industries have access to the skills they need to succeed. Here in Lincolnshire, we need to make sure there is a new talent pool of highly skilled workers for STEM employers, to encourage the region’s economic growth.
Lincolnshire has a strong industrial heritage with clusters of innovation and technological advancement. Key sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, agriculture, construction, digital and healthcare are essential to the region’s economy - and as they grow, so does their demand for a skilled workforce.
To meet this demand, we need to spark interest in technical education. We need to emphasise how integral STEM has become to almost every career path - whether it’s tech, healthcare, manufacturing or even the creative industries, STEM skills are at the core of modern innovation.
The power of collaboration
At the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, one of our key objectives is to meet the skills demand by encouraging people to undertake a STEM education and learn new skills.
To do this, we collaborate with nine education providers across the region to create cutting-edge learning environments and provide state-of-the-art technical facilities. Our partners include the University of Lincoln, University Campus North Lincolnshire, University Centre Grimsby, Boston College, Grantham College & University Centre, Lincoln College, Riseholme College, Lincoln UTC and Stamford College.
Each partner offers a range of qualifications including higher technical qualifications (HTQs), higher national certificates (HNCs), higher national diplomas (HNDs), foundation degrees (FDs) and apprenticeships.
Teaching what the region needs
As well as working with education providers, we also work with employers across Lincolnshire, giving them the ability to shape the STEM curriculum to ensure students are graduating with the exact skills they’re looking for. By doing this, we’re able to identify what’s required in key industries and make sure people are learning the skills that are needed right here in our region.
Working with our employment partners - Bakkavor, Quickline Communications and United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals - we incorporate practical industry experiences into the curriculum, so that programs are flexible and can adapt to new or evolving workplace requirements. As a result, local businesses have access to a pipeline of industry-ready talent, who are equipped with the skills they need to thrive and stay ahead of technological advancements.
Through our collaborative work with education providers and employers, we provide individuals with industry-relevant technical skills, helping to drive innovation and economic growth in Lincolnshire.
If you’re interested in learning STEM skills and want to find out more about the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology courses on offer, take a look at our education partners’ websites below.
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