BECOME A MEMBER

STEM Futures

There is a sector-wide shortage of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills, making it increasingly difficult to retain key science and technology capabilities and develop new ones. Future skills development must keep pace with advances in research and technology relevant to the defence and security sector.

STEM Futures is a partnership of organisations across industry to facilitate knowledge exchange in STEM.

What is STEM Futures?

STEM Futures is a targeted talent and development pipeline (for skills gaps and futureproofing) which includes Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP). It is:

  • A framework for Partners to offer vocational training to each other’s staff (making use of niche skills and facilities).
  • A driver for networking, sharing good practice and collaborative working.
  • Provides an increase in cross-sector connections.

Benefits of STEM Futures

As a participant and STEM Futures Mentee you will have the opportunity to develop skills which employers have identified as needed in the future.

Whether you are in the early stages of your career, returning to the workplace after a career break or changing direction mid-career, STEM Futures provides you with the opportunity to develop broad networks, flexible learning opportunities and career progression.

  • Job shadowing.
  • Thought leadership (presentations, talks).
  • Research sharing / two-way dialogue on research interests.
  • Knowledge and exchange visits.
  • Lunch and learns.
  • Attending conferences and meetings.

STEM Futures provides participating organisations with:

  • Improved resilience in skills disciplines, and a way to develop and apply STEM skill in the future addressing skills gaps.
  • Improved recruitment and retention.
  • A collective vision for how this will effect positive change.

Whether you are an employer interested in joining STEM Futures as a partner organisation, or an employee keen to take part in the scheme, becoming involved offers an opportunity to build valuable connections across the STEM community, share specialist knowledge and experience, and support the development of the skills needed across the defence and security sector.

To learn more about the programme, discuss partnership opportunities or find out how you can participate, please visit STEMFutures@go-science.gov.uk to start the conversation and discover how STEM Futures could support you or your organisation.