RTC North supports new STEM project and hub in North East school

A new STEM Hub has been launched in Berwick to support and tackle talent retention in the region.

Berwick Academy was supported by the STEM Ambassador Hub North East, part of RTC North to launch the new hub. Education relationship manager, Jen Lee worked with Linda Crouch, head of science at Berwick Academy to drive forward the project.

Linda explained: “The STEM Ambassador Hub North East and Jen Lee in particular have been pivotal in helping to establish the Berwick STEM hub.

“Jen has attended our meetings, and her enthusiasm and knowledge of science have been a real driver for establishing the Berwick Hub.

“Jen was very helpful, making lots of suggestions about what could be included, such as free online resources and the work on Science capital to understand what helps learners choose a STEM career.

“The STEM team at RTC North are so helpful - they are really supportive, always positive and give good advice freely, which we tapped into.”

Berwick Academy is also taking part in the regional mentoring programme, which is run by RTC North and funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company and in collaboration with the North East and Tees Valley LEPs.

Linda added: “We currently have ten students enrolled onto the programme. The mentors are really helping our students to think about their future, and what skills they have for the workplace.

“RTC North were involved in identifying the STEM ambassadors who were willing to work with us, doing the DBS checks to ensure that the mentors are suitable adults to work with children.”

The Academy is currently working with Berwick Museum and Art Gallery to popularise the newly established STEM Hub.

The team at the Hub have recently received financial injections including a £2,500 funding package from the Polar Explorer project, set to be used on training for Thinking Scientifically with local first school teachers.

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