Work Begins with Primary School Children to Tackle Shortage of Skilled Workers for Future STEM Jobs in the North East
A recent survey of UK school children has shown that out-of-school STEM activities can change life choices well before career conversations begin. An initiative run by the North East’s Innovation District - Newcastle Helix - is working to inspire young children to explore science and technology, as well as change the region's future in industries which offer sustainable, local jobs.
The study by the University of Nottingham shows, for the first time, that primary school engagement in out-of-school science activities can increase the uptake of STEM subjects at A-level. This kind of activity is vital to plug the current and projected shortages of skilled workers in STEM fields (for example, the need to fill 500,000 new jobs supporting the green economy).
To tackle this skills gap, and to ignite curiosity among 9 and 10 year-olds in the North East about these sectors, a scheme from the Innovation District of Newcastle Helix, is returning for a special two-day event in 2025.
Now in its third year, Building Blocks introduces Year 5 children from the Newcastle area to new experiences out-of-school, giving them the confidence to explore STEM activities and inspiring them to enjoy subjects where their talents could be used in future jobs.
‘Building Blocks Insights’ will take place on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd May, with 240 primary school pupils taking part in hands-on STEM workshops in one of the beacon buildings at Newcastle Helix, near to the city’s iconic St James' Park.
Building Blocks will welcome these children onto the Newcastle Helix site for a range of interactive workshops led by Helix occupiers and partners National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), RTC North, CGI, Altitude Foundation, Mi-box Live and Newcastle United Foundation.
The schools taking part are local to the Newcastle Helix site, and have been identified by the North East Combined Authority's Child Poverty Reduction Unit (CPRU). Many of the students are in receipt of Free School Meals, some have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, whilst others come from households where English is a second language.
The children will be able to learn from experts as well as immersing themselves in fun and educational STEM activities, from Lego to AI.
Crucially, the events will take place in the middle of a typical working week, so the children have the rare opportunity to experience a live work environment and see professionals from a range of sectors go about their day.
As well as inspiring children today, the initiative aims to spark inspiration and an interest in STEM for years to come, which will support future talent pipelines and help the region’s long-term economic growth. The government already projects that the UK will need an additional 150,000 R&D specialists by 2030.
Newcastle Helix Community Engagement Manager Charlie Charlton, who is spearheading the Building Blocks initiative, explained "We created ‘Building Blocks Insights’ to inspire. It shows young children a whole new potential future on their doorstep, for them and their families. We know talent doesn't have a gender, but it also doesn't have a postcode. Our region has incredibly exciting opportunities for curious minds.
"We're in our third year and the reason Building Blocks has caught the imagination of business sites nationally is that it's held on a typical working day. By osmosis, the children have a rare chance to soak up what some grown-ups do all day at work - from Zoom calls to boardroom meetings and even having lunch with friends.
"It might be hard to imagine having hundreds of energetic Primary School children descend on your workplace, but as the Helix community has discovered, it might be loud - but it's exciting. It gives the businesses a boost on the event days but also sows the seeds for a locally sustainable workforce for the future."
