THE future prosperity of the economy will be founded on STEM, according to Education Minister, John O’Dowd.
He was speaking at a recent awards event in Belfast celebrating the Sentinus Smart Technology programme which saw more than 90 trainee teachers and 2,000 primary school children across Northern Ireland teaming up to improve teaching and learning in STEM subjects — science, technology, engineering and maths.
Mr O’Dowd said: “Schools which afford science and technology a priority in both their curriculum and their extra-curricular activities will help create the workforce to meet the expected demand in STEM jobs.
“This year’s programme includes a robotics and computer programming element because employers have told us these skills are needed now and in the future.”
He continued: “We need to adapt and change if we are to fit with future employment requirements and that is why I want to see more pupils studying STEM subjects through to GCSE and A-level.”
The programme delivered by Sentinus, is aimed at Key-Stage 2 and is designed to stimulate interest and excitement in science.
As part of the initiative, Sentinus provides student teachers with training to equip them with the necessary skills to deliver a series of STEM workshops to primary school children. Sentinus chief executive Bill Connor said: “The challenge here is that the growth in STEM industries does not correlate with the growth in the number of young people choosing to study these subjects at school.
“The Smart Technology programme aims to show the younger generation how exciting and rewarding a career in science and technology can be, while developing the skills and confidence of trainee teachers.” Meanwhile, according to the minister for Employment and Learning, Stephen Farry, the implementation of the Work and Families Bill has moved a step closer following an Assembly debate.
The Bill, which also includes an extension of the right to request flexible working, was introduced into the Assembly by Minister Farry in April this year.
It will create a new system of shared parental leave and pay which will allow eligible working families to have more choice about how they balance their work and caring commitments. Parents can choose to be at home together or to work at different times and share the care of their child. Speaking after the second reading of the Bill, minister Farry said:
“This Bill will mean a much more flexible workforce, with employers able to retain talented staff whilst making it as easy as possible for working parents to manage their childcare arrangements.”
The right to request flexible working, currently available to many parents and carers, will be extended to all employees who have worked for their employer for 26 weeks or more.