Partnership boosts STEM sector in Sheffield City Region

TWO Sheffield businesses have entered into a new phase of partnership to promote and stimulate interest in engineering and manufacturing in the Sheffield City region, giving a boost to skills and jobs in the sector.

Through The Glass Academy training and skills development initiative, trade body, the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation and The Sheffield College have enjoyed a successful partnership over the past two years, establishing work experience placements, interview practice sessions and careers advice on the industry and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sector careers in general.

The new five-year agreement aims to consolidate the partnership work to date. It will focus on extending and embedding a range of initiatives and strategies that will promote the glass industry and STEM careers as stimulating and rewarding pathways, as well as to help the sectors better meet their future skills needs.

Heather MacDonald, chief executive of The Sheffield College, said: “We are delighted that this important relationship is continuing as both organisations share a vision that the STEM economic sector can support sustainable growth both locally and nationally. Through the provision of high quality education and effective industry partnerships such as this, our students and staff will benefit as we develop their skills and knowledge for the future.”

The partnership will provide development and progression opportunities for those currently in STEM related careers and a wider offering for pre-employability. New initiatives to be implemented will include contributions to the curriculum, working with relevant college departments and staff, a wider apprenticeship programme, student employability and work readiness training offering and opportunities for Sheffield College staff development.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, added: “Our current relationship with the College has provided a great foundation for us to build on. We are committed to re-establishing the Sheffield City Region as a world leader in engineering and manufacturing and building on Sheffield’s proud heritage of industrial and technical excellence, now is the right time to progress and extend the opportunities for young people in the STEM sector.”