More than 140 secondary pupils from Campbeltown, Tarbert and Lochgilphead took part in the first MAK STEM Fest – a dynamic daytime careers event that linked local employers with budding engineers and scientists.
Hosted at Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) Business Park by ALIenergy, with support from ScottishPower Renewables, MAK STEM Fest gave pupils the chance to learn about the range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers available to them in the region.
Pupils participated in workshops and interactive displays from exhibitors including ScottishPower Renewables, Discover Space UK, Forestry and Land Scotland and the Royal Navy.
As the energy agency for Argyll and Bute, ALIenergy works across multiple project areas to promote the sustainable use of energy. The team works with the support of funding from ScottishPower Renewables’ Beinn an Tuirc 2 windfarm to deliver activities to young people and communities in Mid Argyll and Kintyre to increase awareness about opportunities relating to STEM subjects, with MAK STEM Fest a highlight in the calendar.
Students explored the types of robots the Scottish Association for Marine Science uses in various projects around the world.
Tarbert Academy pupil Erin McCrae said: “We designed robots to go in the ocean. It was fun to do as I had never thought of robots working in the sea before. I’d recommend to other students to come to future events like this."
Youngsters used modern satellite imagery with the Discover Space UK team to see how land, crops and special environments can be managed carefully into the future, and put their computer coding skills to use to programme robots with the digital education team from Argyll and Bute Council.
The Marine Environmental Research Laboratory meanwhile helped the students see how STEM knowledge and skills help the aquaculture industry in the modern world as well as helping the students understand some of the wonderful biology under the sea.
Organised in collaboration with Argyll and Bute Council’s Developing the Young Workforce, the event opened up to the wider community later in the day to allow S3-S6 students, school leavers and other members of the community to explore the marketplace and speak with employers.
Representatives from ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind project team – who are developing an offshore windfarm northwest of Islay and west of Colonsay that could produce enough green electricity to power more than two million homes – were among those on hand to answer questions.
Dr Lynda Mitchell, CEO of ALIenergy said: “The event really brought to life the incredible range of exciting opportunities there are for STEM-related career choices here in Argyll and Bute. It’s such an amazing place to live and work.”
Deborah Bryce, MachairWind community engagement manager, added: “It was great to get the chance to talk to the students about MachairWind and how that will bring more clean energy to the grid and help support the green workforce of the future.”
“Events like this are really important in giving our young people insight into the skills, pathways and qualifications needed to succeed in future STEM careers.”
Siobhan Jarvie, stakeholder and community manager at ScottishPower Renewables, described the event as a real success.
She said: “It not only emphasises ScottishPower Renewables’ commitment to nurturing future STEM talent but also reinforces our dedication to the communities we serve.”
Suzanne Thomson, DYW coordinator for Campbeltown, Islay and Tarbert, added: “We were delighted to collaborate with ALIenergy and ScottishPower Renewables for MAK STEM Fest.
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