Published 21 June 2023

Young people studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) subjects will have more opportunities after the Council secured support from local and national businesses.

A working group set up to review and enhance STEM learning for pupils in West Dunbartonshire, are engaging with a range of partners including Babcock Engineering , SSERC, The Glasgow Science Centre and International Corporation Lockheed Martin. The partnerships will support young people to learn about STEM careers through work inside and outside the classroom through visits to the workplace.

The group also held talks with the National and West Partnership STEM Forums to inform the local developments in STEM including strengthen STEM learning for young people in S1 -S3.

Pupils will also get support from Glasgow Science Centre, International Corporation Lockheed Martin and RAiSE (Wood Foundation) who work with councils to empower teachers with the confidence, skills, and networks to develop and deliver motivating and exciting STEM opportunities.

Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, said: “I am pleased to see this partnership with local and international businesses. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators and has a positive impact on the economy and society. Securing external partnerships will hopefully increase the number of young people studying science subjects who will eventually progress on to college or university.”

Councillor John Millar. Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “Programs in class and outside of school can help our young people see that there is more to STEM than what is taught in school. Having support of organisations can help show our young people real-life examples of STEM and how they benefit our society locally and globally. In West Dunbartonshire, we are committed to creating engaging and interesting learning to quip the next generation to pursue a career in STEM .”