More than 3,000 north east schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to explore a future career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sectors across a three-day event at the beginning of July at St. James’ Park.

STEMFest Net Zero is an interactive exhibition connecting nine to 13-year-olds with over 50 of the region’s STEM companies committed to providing job opportunities now and in the future to support the next generation into the sector and to bolster the North East’s economy.

Sponsored by Sage, a leader in the account, financial, HR and payroll for small and mid-sized businesses, the face-to-face and digital hybrid event is being coordinated by the North East STEM Hub in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation’s innovative NU Futures programme.

As part of the three-day event Jacobsare sponsoring the Climate Adaptation Zone, Kara Connon, STEAM lead for Europe explains more:

“Jacobs is delighted to take part in STEMFest Net Zero, in the Climate and Adaptation Zone.  Sustainability is at the heart of our business and we have many passionate STEAM Ambassadors working across the entire company, eager to inform and educate pupils on how they can create more sustainable futures for themselves and future generations.  At STEMFest Net Zero we will be showcasing Jacobs' Butterfly Effect program which is designed to provide young people with the knowledge and understanding they need to put sustainabili ty at the heart of everything they do.”

Joining Jacobs are Dogger Bank Wind Farm who are sponsoring the Power and Natural Resources area, Tom Nightingale, North East Stakeholder Manager, said:

“Dogger Bank Wind Farm is delighted to sponsor the Power & Natural Resources area. As the world’s largest offshore wind farm, being built off the North-East coast, we are proud to be developing natural resources to deliver clean energy to millions of UK homes. It is important that we try to make a real difference to the lives of people in our local communities, and this will be an opportunity to promote STEM education to young people in Newcastle, where we are building our Operations and Maintenance base. Renewable energy will increasingly become a source of skilled jobs in the UK and this sponsorship is one of the ways we aim to unlock the future potential of young people.”

Claire Willis Business Development Manager for the North East STEM Hub added:

“I am delighted that Jacobs and Dogger Bank Wind Farm have chosen to be part of this key event. There are so many North East companies working in this sector 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.”

Photo credit: Tom from Equinor for his sponsorship via Dogger Bank Wind Farm.