STEMFest welcomed over 1,500 enthusiastic school children aged 9-13 last week at Mowden Park Rugby Club in Darlington, Tees Valley, where they would learn all about STEM career paths.

Over 40 businesses from STEM industries came together for a two-day, successful event where children could take part in hands-on-activities, talks and demonstrations from various STEM sector companies.

Each of the companies that exhibited and took part are committed to providing job opportunities now and in the future to support and guide the next generation into STEM sectors, with the aim to improve the economy in Yorkshire and the North East of England.

STEMFest is run by the North East STEM Hub and delivered by RTC North – with the aim to spark inspiration and interest in different STEM subjects and career paths in order to create an overall brighter future for both the next generation and the future of industry.

This year, Darlington Borough Council partnered with the North East STEM Hub to run this event, who collectively, with generous sponsors North East STEM Foundation, Darlington College, Teesside University, Willmott Dixon and head sponsor, Cummins, made this incredible event possible.

Claire Willis Team Leader for the North East STEM Hub commented: “To run STEMFest for yet another year is such a privilege, we are delighted that it has been so well received once again well by teachers, pupils and exhibitors alike. We hope the event leaves a lasting legacy in the minds of the young people who attended and that they are now more aware of the employment and career options open to them, right here in the region.”

The first STEMFest of 2024 saw Balfour Beatty, CyberFirst and many other companies delivering hands on activities for the children in attendance. Activities like Engine Building, Bridge Building and many others captivated school children throughout the duration of the two-day event.

Head sponsor, Cummins, whose support throughout this and many previous STEMFest events are hugely responsible for making this possible for yet another year. Their commitment to fostering STEM education has been instrumental in driving the success of STEMFest.

Commenting on the event, Dominic Coles, Cummins Business Services Leader, said: “It’s been fantastic to play our part once again in this important local community event and continue working with our STEM partners across the region to develop future talent. We hope STEMFest can continue to inspire future generation for many years to come.”

Also showing her support of STEMFest was Mayor of Darlington, Jan Cossins, who visited and toured the exhibitions on day 1, underscoring the importance of STEM education and the profound impact it has on local communities.

The next STEMFest event will take place in July, and is due to take Yorkshire by storm – a completely new region for STEMFest. No doubt, it is sure to do wonders for the local communities there as it has in the North East for many years.