Getting to the root of  STEM

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, reaffirmed his commitment to boosting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at today’s fourth Annual Skills Conference.

The event brought together leading policy makers, educationalists, training providers and industry representatives, to participate in the debate on key issues linking skills development, enhanced productivity and competitiveness of the Northern Ireland economy.

During the keynote address, the Minister, highlighted the ever increasing need for people to enter into the areas of STEM and underlined the importance of these subjects to the economy.

He said: “More and more of our young people are choosing not to study STEM subjects at school, college or university. Northern Ireland is lagging behind the UK average in terms of the percentage of people with STEM degrees in employment and yet there is an increasing demand for these graduates.”

“The knowledge based economy that we all desire will be built on the solid foundations of STEM. The work done to increase the numbers studying these subjects, at all levels, will have a direct impact on our competitiveness, our ability to grow and maintain high value jobs and improve the quality of life for the people of Northern Ireland. I am firmly committed to working positively and collaboratively with key stakeholders to increase interest and uptake in STEM subjects.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The theme for this year’s conference was Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

2. Speakers included Damien McDonnell, Chair of MATRIX Panel; Richard Noble OBE, Challenger, Entrepreneur, Director Bloodhound Project; Bill McGinnis, Northern Ireland Adviser on Employment and Skills; and Aideen McGinley, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning.

3. The event was facilitated by Seamus McKee.

4. There was an interactive discussion with delegates and a Panel which included all of those speaking at the event.

5. For media inquiries please contact DEL Press Office on 028 9025 7872 or out of hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 0769971 5440 and your call will be returned