STUDENTS from Christopher Whitehead Language College and Bishop Perowne Church of England College in Worcester were among those to attend a special event which uses interactive science and technology to engage with 13 – 15 year-old students. 

The Next Generation Innovators Day is part of the Malvern Festival of Innovation and is open to all high schools in Worcestershire.

Worcester City Council contributed £1,000 towards the costs of the event, which took place on Tuesday, October 3 at the Three Counties Showground, in a bid to encourage more young people in the area to opt for a career in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, chairman of the Place and Economic Sub Committee at Worcester City Council, said: "The city council is keen to ensure that Worcester has a highly skilled workforce, which is well equipped for employment in sectors such as engineering, cyber security and IT.

“We want to ensure that well-paid jobs are available locally in these critical growth sectors.”

Adrian Burden, festival director said: “We are very grateful for the Council’s support this year, and to the many Worcester-based businesses who regularly exhibit, including Worcester Bosch, Mazak and Komatsu. 

“We’ve had students from four Worcester schools here today, and hope that all the schools can make it next year.”

So-called STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are of high-value to employers as they are viewed as a driver for economic success.

However, they can be overlooked by students, perceived as difficult or dull, and have traditionally been dominated by boys rather than girls.