Partnership to boost STEM sector in Sheffield City Region

Through The Glass Academy, our training and skills development initiative, we have enjoyed a successful partnership with The Sheffield College over the past two years, establishing meaningful work experience placements, interview practice sessions and careers advice on the industry and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sector careers in general.The new five-year agreement, signed at The Sheffield College on 14th January, aims to consolidate the partnership work to date.It will focus on extending and embedding a range of initiatives and strategies that will promote the glass industry and STEM careers as stimulating and rewarding pathways, as well as to help the sectors better meet their future skills needs.

Heather MacDonald, Chief Executive of The Sheffield College, said: “We are delighted that this important relationship is continuing as both organisations share a vision that the STEM economic sector can support sustainable growth both locally and nationally. Through the provision of high quality education and effective industry partnerships such as this, our students and staff will benefit as we develop their skills and knowledge for the future.”

The partnership will provide development and progression opportunities for those currently in STEM related careers and a wider offering for pre-employability. New initiatives to be implemented will include contributions to the curriculum, working with relevant college departments and staff, a wider apprenticeship programme, student employability and work readiness training offering and opportunities for Sheffield College staff development.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass, added: “Our current relationship with the College has provided a great foundation for us to build on. We are committed to re-establishing the Sheffield City Region as a world leader in engineering and manufacturing and building on Sheffield’s proud heritage of industrial and technical excellence, now is the right time to progress and extend the opportunities for young people in the STEM sector.

Both organisations will be working to raise awareness of the wide range of careers available in the glass industry and other STEM related sectors, with the ultimate aim of creating a successful partnership model that can be applied to other regions and sectors.