STEM Learning and Amazon Future Engineer work together to deliver huge STEM benefits to students and schools across the UK
STEM Learning and Amazon Future Engineer have teamed up to create five new ENTHUSE Partnerships across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland which will upskill hundreds of teachers – and help set thousands of young people on the pathway to an exciting and rewarding STEM career.
Some of the many benefits include the opportunity for primary and secondary teachers to attend three-day industry placements, allowing them to bring their experiences back into classrooms and inspire and prepare their students for a STEM career.
Each two-year Partnership covers a cluster of 6-10 schools, focusing on underserved and underrepresented pupils in areas close to major Amazon sites in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Fife and Wigan.
More than 400 primary and secondary school teachers will receive subsidies to attend STEM Learning’s intensive, high-quality teacher training (CPD) at the National STEM Learning Centre in York – and they will also receive local and online support. Teachers will be able to choose from a wide range of bespoke CPD which is tailored to meet the particular needs of each school.
A total of 325 teachers will benefit from the subsequent improvement in the quality of teaching, increased confidence in subject knowledge.
This all builds on the success of the Amazon Future Engineer scheme which supports children throughout their school career. This also offers ‘Class Chats’ where Amazon industry professionals visit schools in person or virtually to share their inspiring career journey – and this will now be offered through the STEM Ambassadors platform, meaning young people will have access to role models from this huge STEM employer.
Michael Vollman, head of Amazon Future Engineer in Europe, said: “Amazon are proud to support young people and teachers in partnership with STEM Learning. Through this relationship, we are inspiring learners on both a community and national level, supporting individuals in need, and the wider UK economy.
"We know that digital skills are a major contributor to social mobility and equal opportunity, and STEM Learning are helping us bring real change to even more young people.”
Gill Collinson, Director of Education and Programmes at STEM Learning, said: “This ENTHUSE partnership with Amazon will offer better teaching, inspiring role models and exciting opportunities for young people at dozens of schools in disadvantaged areas – and we’re very excited to see the impact.
“To have such a major STEM employer involved in one of our ENTHUSE Partnerships is extremely exciting for us all, and a real boost for students in these areas. At STEM Learning, we remain particularly focused on giving young people as many vocational and academic opportunities as possible and showing them the fascinating, varied and rewarding roles which are available to them.”
