STEMFest is set to return this July, inviting over 3,000 North East schoolchildren to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors. This three-day event at VERTU Motors Arena in Newcastle is coordinated by the North East STEM Hub, aiming to encourage and inspire young people in STEM subjects from state-funded schools in Primary and Secondary years.  

Headline sponsor this year is Cummins, a global power technology leader that designs, manufactures, distributes, and services a broad portfolio of power solutions. The face-to-face event will be split into the 4 industry themed zones including: Space, Technology, Environment and Energy, and Manufacturing.  

The exhibition will involve over 40 North East businesses delivering interactive sessions and activities relating to their industry, showcasing the range of careers and job roles available in the STEM sector in our region.   

From rovers to rockets and shuttles to satellites, space is not just about Astronauts! The schoolchildren will have the opportunity to visit various companies and talk to a number of specialists who work in the space sector in our region. Companies supporting the Space zone include Cummins, Jacobs, Kielder Observatory, Life Science Centre, Northumbria University, Raytheon UK, AMBASAT and STEMAZING.  

Technology is a booming industry right here in the North East with more and more employers asking for digital skills. In the 3 days at STEMFest pupils will find out how companies in our region plan their first line of defence against a cyber-attack. Investigate and solve cryptic puzzles as well as finding out more about online safety. Companies supporting the Technology zone include Sage, British Airways, DXC Technology, Balfour Beatty and Keltbray.   

The UK has a target to be Net Zero by 2050. At STEMFest pupils will have the opportunity to visit a range of STEM organisations and get hands-on with activities focusing on climate change and the path to Net Zero. They will find out more about our local environment and the various alternative sources of energy generated right here in the North East. Companies supporting the Environment and Energy zone include bp, FYTO Grow, Great Northumberland Forestry, Morgan Sindall, Siemens Gamesa, Siemens Energy, ESH Stantec working in partnership with Northumbrian Water, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Bowmer and Kirkland, and Turntide.   

From cars to cosmetics, the North East has a thriving manufacturing sector with lots of exciting jobs and careers available in a wide range of industries. STEMFest will show some of the essential companies who are key to the success of the manufacturing sector not only in our region but further afield. Companies supporting the Manufacturing zone include Cummins, Nissan, Parker Hannifin Ltd, Sterling, Royal IHC, Sir Robert McAlpine, Tridonic, Unipres, Farrans, Fujifilm, JDR TFK.Group, and Egger.  

Claire Willis, Team Leader for the North East STEM Hub comments:  
“I am delighted that so many North East business have chosen to be part of this pivotal event. There are so many North East companies working in STEM sectors which our future workforce isn’t aware of. Through this event, we aim to enthuse and engage young people in STEM, highlight not only the companies, but also the various career paths open to these young people, right on their doorstep.”   

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