TechFest, an Aberdeen-based charity, has launched a programme “STEM into Innovation” to enhance students’ awareness of innovation processes used within the design and manufacturing sectors.

STEM into Innovation targets secondary school students, offering both in-school tuition and live masterclasses held in Scottish cities.

The initiative aims to equip young people with STEM and entrepreneurship skills and knowledge for further academic or STEM careers.

It kicked off with “Pioneers of Progress” in February, an initiative exploring the evolution of instant communications and an introduction to design.

The free programme, which is still available to access via TechFest’s website, is delivered in classrooms through video content accompanied by follow-up challenges that aim to enhance all participating students’ mathematics, writing, design, marketing and teamwork skills.

It is designed for teachers across all subjects, providing a variety of resources for classroom instructions from TechFest, such as student activity booklets and interviews with industry professionals.

Despite consistent calls for further support in digital education, Scotland still faces a shortage of computing science teachers, and developing digital skills is vital in preparing students for the future, as well as enabling Scotland to build a robust tech industry.

“STEM into Innovation taps into Scotland’s rich design and manufacturing heritage, equipping students with the skills and mindset to become Scotland’s next STEM leaders,” Sarah Chew, managing director of TechFest, said.

“It is a CREST-accredited programme that empowers students to unlock their full STEM potential, strengthens their CVs and UCAS applications while equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to bridge the industry skills gap.

“STEM into Innovation is committed to creating greater diversity and equality through encouraging more young people to consider a career in the engineering or science industries.”

TechFest delivered a range of masterclasses for students as part of STEM into Innovation, where students could roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on design.

The masterclasses were held in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee, and provided an opportunity for young people to gain insights on entrepreneurship and product development from industry professionals.

A masterclass conducted by Horizon Educational, organisers of the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), concluded the 2024 programme on the 23rd of November in Aberdeen with a focus on engineering design and innovation.

“Being able to bridge the gap between the products we develop in our R&D centre and the students we serve has been an invaluable aspect of TechFest’s STEM into Innovation programme,” Tobias Lundsgaard, product development manager at Horizon Educational said.

“Getting to know these students – and being able to give them a glimpse into my own process of product development has reminded me of why I chose to pursue a career at Horizon Educational: to help build future leaders with a passion for STEM and Conscious Design.”

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Participating students are provided access to the necessary knowledge to design a product, as well as practical insights and skills which will enhance their future academic and career prospects.

Calls for more entrepreneurial teachings in the classroom are continually brought up by advocacy groups and industry bodies like Pathways Forward.

“The Innovation Masterclass is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get first hand, close interaction with industry and support agencies, aimed to stimulate interest and ambition that could allow them to start to form their career path,” SMAs specialist at Scottish Enterprise, said.

STEM into Innovation was designed to equip students with in-demand entrepreneurial skills for employers and higher education institutions, enhancing their academic and career prospects in STEM fields.

The CREST-accredited programme: Pioneers of Progress, runs throughout the academic year, alongside all other STEM into Innovation events and will continue to be available in the next school year, offering students ongoing opportunities to engage with STEM.