Techniquest bridging the STEM skills gap

For over 30 years Techniquest has endeavoured to create limitless career prospects for Wales’ youth by providing engaging and imaginative scientific learning.

The leading educational charity, which has become a beacon for scientific engagement in Cardiff Bay, has welcomed more than two million pupils and schools through its doors over the past three decades.

Its unique blend of enriching activities and 120 exhibits, which adhere to the latest STEM curriculum, are delivered through its purpose-built centre and invaluable school outreach programmes.

Thanks to their dedication to advancing scientific understanding, millions of children across Wales now possess the skills to create boundless career prospects for themselves.

However, with figures over recent years demonstrating a clear shortage in the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics subjects among young people, the educational centre recognises the growing importance of reaching and educating pupils, now more than ever.

Chief executive officer Lesley Kirkpatrick said it is vital to continuously provide a fresh offering to schools and young people, not only to support their career progression, but for the benefit of Wales' future engineering industry.

She said: “Engaging with pupils to ensure they receive the most up-to-date, informative, scientific learning, is something that we always aim to do at Techniquest.

“We continuously assess the STEM curriculum to ensure we are adhering to what pupils are learning in schools, to help reinforce the skills and knowledge they are acquiring.

“To provide the most engaging experience we also create outreach lessons for schools throughout Wales to equip them with the skills, information, and support they need to succeed.

“Alongside this we also constantly refresh our exhibits offering and rotation of events at the centre in a bid to continuously educate and inspire young people into scientific roles.

“This is why we have recently invested over £190,000 in enhancing our in-house facilities, website offering, and interactive exhibits.

“Ultimately it is our aim to ensure young people are equipped with the skills they require to not only enhance their prospects, but also ensure the continued success of the future STEM industry in Wales.”

Their mission is now more important than ever, as recent figures show a reduced number of students are choosing to study STEM subjects at A Level.

Currently, only around 19% of girls and 33% of boys choose one or two STEM subjects to study at A Level, and 40,000 STEM related jobs are consequently being left vacant following graduation as a result.

Ms Kirkpatrick said: “There are so many opportunities for young people to flourish in the STEM industry. With the right education and support we can ensure that pupils are adequately informed and equipped to enter fulfilling roles, which not only benefit them, but Wales’ economic prosperity.”