Entries open for inaugural STEM South West Awards
The STEM South West Awards 2024, which recognise the leaders of science, technology, engineering and maths in industry, education and the community have been officially launced.
The inaugural Awards will feature companies and education providers who are leading the charge for the region’s STEM community, and safeguarding the economic and employment future for the STEM industry in the South West.
There are three main categories:
- STEM in industry: Company of the year
– Small/start-up (up to 50 Employees)
– Small to medium (50-249 Employees)
– Large categories (250+ Employees)) - STEM in education: Educational Initiative of the Year
(primary, secondary, third level) - STEM in the community: Transition Year challenge of the year
Mary Good, Chairperson of STEM South West, said: “We are calling on companies, schools and educational institutes that are directly engaged in supporting the development of STEM subject study and career development to enter. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) forecasts that 21,000 additional jobs will be created by 2027.To support Ireland’s important and fast-growing Biopharma sector as just one example of a sector set to grow in future years, nurturing and developing a robust talent STEM pipeline is fundamental to future economic performance.”
STEM South West aims to provide a competitive, innovative, and resilient enterprise base that will facilitate STEM skills training, cross-regional collaboration between industry, government, and academia, and increase employment and economic opportunities throughout the STEM sector in the South West region.
With Cork set to become the fastest-growing region under the Project 2040 plan, STEM South West say the region (Cork and Kerry) is a place where opportunity meets talent, particularly in STEM.
Bob Savage, Chair of the Judging Panel for the STEM South West Awards noted: “Cork and the greater South West region now employs over 75,000 people in STEM businesses. It is an integral part of our local economy and has consistently grown over the past 40 years to become the region’s largest employer. We must continue to develop and recognise initiatives that support the growth of this crucial industry sector for the future.”
Attracting and retaining diverse and talented individuals is essential for driving innovation and safeguarding the future success of STEM expertise in the Southwest. Nurturing development opportunities for the next generation is also essential.
The STEM in educationaward celebrates educational institutes, departments and classroom-led initiatives (primary, secondary and third level) that show the way toward creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Applications are also welcome from individual contributors, such as educators, lecturers, teachers, and career guidance professionals.
Educational initiatives in this category should demonstrate a commitment to inspiring, supporting, and empowering the next generation to engage in STEM-related topics. Entries can also demonstrate an innovative approach and robust learning opportunities for students.
The TY challenge of the year award wil go to a Transition Year initiative that created an excellent development and learning opportunity, inspiring the next generation, and resulting in the empowerment and upskilling of those who participated.
Entries for STEM South West Awards close on 20 September and can be made here. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 21 November.
TecCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers