Manx children inspired by insight into STEM career choices

It is important to "ensure there is a vibrancy of career paths on the Isle of Man," an organiser of an annual event that encourages young people to get into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has said.

Last month, students in years five and six across all 33 primary schools took part in STEMFest, which first launched in 2018.

Sarah Ennett, an organiser of the event said "We want to ensure that people on the island are not disadvantaged.

"We recognise in the UK there are some great science museums, and the ability to get hands on experience with experiments that can inspire people into wanting to carry on with those topics," she said.

Therefore, the event aimed to introduce potential STEM career paths to children on the Isle of Man and spark interest in the topics.

"We want to ensure that there is a vibrancy of career choices on the island and that people are aware of what organisations there are," she said.

"We have brilliant teachers on the island, but they don't necessarily know the whole breadth of what is available in STEM.

"There are some fantastically innovative organisations right across STEM, so we can be that conduit to show young people that there are great career choices on the island," Ennett continued.

This year, 27 organisations took part in the event.

"STEM skills are really important, most things are coming online, and every job there are digital aspects to it, so it is really important that young people get real-life experience of how that translates into a career," she said.

She said while it was preferable to cover a broader age range, year five and six was the perfect age to "bring the subjects to life for children."

"There can be a gender imbalance in STEM topics," she said, "so for young people to see people like them doing these roles, will hopefully broaden out that pipeline into STEM."

Speaking of her year five class, Sarah Pearson, Onchan Primary School teacher, said: "The opportunity to apply their skills in real-life contexts is incredibly valuable and brought their learning to life in a way we can't always replicate in the classroom."

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