Careers fair lets Islington school kids experiment with science and technology

Hundreds of Islington schoolchildren have been given the opportunity to experiment with a future career in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

On Tuesday 30 June two groups of Year 9 schoolchildren from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Holloway schools descended on workshops and classrooms at the Centre for Applied Sciences in City and Islington College to spend the day exploring technical topics such as forensics, engineering, astronomy, and biomedical science. 

The young people, aged 13-14, also took part in a ‘speed networking’ session and so had a chance to grill various industry experts and educators on the ins and outs of a career as a scientist, engineer, or mathematician.

The majority of those who took part on the day were girls, just as their older peers were finishing their GCSE exams. National statistics show young women are under-represented among candidates for engineering GCSEs – a trend that is repeated across the wider profession, with women making up just 6-8 per cent of the UK’s engineering workforce.  

Islington Council’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Joe Caluori, said: “Events like these can help young people foster passions for science, engineering, and maths, and give them a valuable insight into the next practical steps of a career in these fields. We are committed to helping local young people reach their full potential, and especially encouraging young women to consider careers in STEM, sectors where they are currently under-represented.”

“I’d like to thank all the teachers and university students who gave up their time yesterday and help inspire what could be our next generation of inventors and innovators.”

Director of City and Islington College’s Centre for Applied Sciences, David Swinscoe, said: “For the past five years we have worked successfully in collaboration with the Borough to provide opportunities for young people to engage with STEM subjects. As a College we are committed to growth in these areas, which not only provide crucial career and job opportunities to young people but also play a huge role in boosting the economy and shaping the world we live in. I want to thank all of our partners who have made this event possible.”

The day was funded by the City and Islington Sixth Form Partnership, made up of the City and Islington College and participant schools.