The Work Wise Foundation put sustainability under the spotlight at Yorkshire careers event

This year’s Get up to Speed with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing) ‘Skills for Sustainability’ event for young people, organised by the Work-wise Foundation, was a huge success, hosting over 5,000 visitors at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham recently (29th March).

For the first time, visitors had access to the entire Magna Science Adventure Centre attraction, as well as the chance to meet many of the region’s leading employers and get hands learning about their industry, jobs and careers.

This year’s theme was Skills for Sustainability, which saw exhibitors showcasing some of their innovations towards achieving net zero, as well as demonstrating some of the opportunities in the green energy sector which will provide employment for people in the future.

Many of the local businesses who exhibited at the event used the opportunity to reveal innovative robotics and automation solutions that are likely to drive competitiveness in manufacturing and engineering in the future.

Dame Julie Kenny DBE, DL, master cutler, said: “Almost 5,000 young people had the opportunity to meet many South Yorkshire companies in a wide variety of industries at the event.

“Young people who visited Get up to Speed will come away feeling they can do whatever they want to do and be whatever they want to be! It is great to see companies exhibiting their products and skills to inspire young people!”

Before the event, organisers The Work-Wise Foundation, held a Business Breakfast, for businesses to come together to discuss what they can do to support and inspire STEM careers in the region, and why it’s so important for economic and sustainable growth.

Richard Sulley, Net Zero project director, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), said: “We have world-class facilities and world-class universities in the region, so we need to make the best use of what is available to ensure that we can close the skills gap.

“Young people want to work for exciting companies where they feel like they are making a difference. Having sustainability at the forefront of business culture and priorities is becoming increasingly important. This event is a great way to showcase just what opportunities exist for young people in South Yorkshire.”

Tom Rumboll, UK managing director, IAA, Inc & CEO, SYNETIQ Ltd, said: “Businesses, big and small, are committing to net zero, but many don’t yet know how to get there. Showing your customers that you are on your journey, and taking steps towards it will attract more clients and could put your business ahead of your competitors.”

John Barber, CEO of The Work-Wise Foundation, said: “The theme for this year’s event was to raise awareness of the need for greater sustainability skills in the region. South Yorkshire has set out a plan to be Net Zero by 2040, so it’s essential that we have the right skills in place to achieve those targets.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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