Semta goes on a recruitment -€œdrive-€ at The Big Bang Fair
09/03/2011 Enginuity
70% of young people attracted by the image of a STEM careerTo demonstrate just how exciting a career in STEM can be, visitors to the Semta Big Bang stand can drive an F3 racing car simulator and seek careers advice from experts, apprentices and graduates from some of the UK's biggest employers.
Semta, the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, is this week joining leading employers at the biggest ever celebration of science and engineering for young people. The Big Bang: UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair is taking place from 10-12 March 2011 at ICC London ExCeL and is designed to help young people to find out more about the exciting career opportunities available to them in science, engineering and manufacturing.
Semta will be joined on its stand in the Go Global area of the North Hall by BMW Group, Ford and Vauxhall and will have careers information from the UK Electronic Skills Foundation, marine, aerospace, metals, mechanical and electrical sectors. Together they will provide first hand advice to young people, parents, advisors and teachers on the extensive options available for a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) related industries.
Recent Semta research reveals that 30,000 recruits will be needed in these UK sectors between now and 2016 to replace retirees and support growth areas such as advanced manufacturing.
Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive of Semta said: "With the recent recession and government cuts, it has never been more important to help employers in our sectors recruit the talent they need to succeed. Importantly, employers recognise that young people do not always receive the encouragement to consider a career in science, manufacturing or engineering. So events like Big Bang are a great showcase for students, parents and teachers to see all the opportunities our industries have to offer."
At last year's Big Bang Semta surveyed around 100 visitors to its stand and found:
70% of young people were attracted by the image of a STEM career
58% believe the pay is good
44% were attracted by the belief that STEM offers the opportunity to make a difference
Engineering graduates can expect an average starting salary of £22,000, and science graduates can expect to earn an average £21,000. According to the Confederation of British Industry, this is more than those entering finance, sales or human resources, highlighting the rewarding prospects for apprentices and graduates in engineering and science careers.
There are many routes into STEM careers, including Diplomas, apprenticeships and degrees, alongside many examples of companies who recruit and develop young people. In automotive manufacturing alone, BMW Group has a 145-strong apprenticeship programme, Ford has trained apprentices since 1919 while Vauxhall will be offering apprenticeships across all of its locations and for the first time in a long period will be reintroducing commercial apprenticeships. Bentley also currently employs 53 young apprentices and will shortly begin apprentice recruitment for 2011.
For further information, please visit: www.semta.org.uk
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