Local companies bridging the STEM skills gaps

Ron Dearing UTC

In the excitement of 2017, Ron Dearing UTC opened a brand new building in the city centre, dedicated to offering students a new and unique way to learn. Backed by Hull University, KCOM and many more of the region’s leading employers, the UTC provides young people with an academic, technical and vocational education intended to significantly improve their higher education and future employment opportunities, setting them on their way into the careers of their dreams.

The building itself is decked out with highly advanced technology, demonstrating that it’s “a school that means business”. Students are given the unique opportunity to take the theories they learn and apply them to exciting projects designed and delivered by their employer sponsors, allowing them to extend their theoretical understanding and develop their employability and technical skills in a real work environment.

Pint of Science

Back in 2012, Dr Michael Motskin and Dr Praveen Paul were two research scientists at Imperial College London, working on organising an event called ‘Meet the Researchers’. The aim of the event was to bring people affected by Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis into their labs to give them a firsthand account of the research they do.

The event turned out to be inspirational for both visitors and researchers, and the two men had a thought – if people want to come into labs to meet scientists, why not bring the scientists out to the people? From this, Pint of Science was born. Since May 2013, the event skyrocketed in popularity, going from three host cities to almost 300.

Pint of Science is a non-profit organisation that brings some of the most brilliant scientists to chilled out venues (like your local pub) to discuss their latest research and findings with you. The best thing about their events is that you don't need any prior knowledge, making them a perfect place to learn some new skills without worrying about your current skills. The festival runs annually, taking place over a few days in May, with occasional events popping up during other months.

Hull Raspberry Jam

A Raspberry Jam is the name given to a meetup of people who have an interest in making things with the Raspberry Pi computer and other digital devices, through events that are community-run and not directly affiliated to the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Raspberry Jams take place all over the world, and the Hull Raspberry Jam has been running roughly every other month since April 2016. The events take place at Hull Central Library, making it easy for everyone to attend, and primarily take the form of workshops and show-and-tells.

Volunteering opportunities are also available to help out with their events, and also encourage people to get involved by sharing any exciting projects they’ve been working on.

British Science Festival

Good news for science fans in the city – the British Science Festival, Europe’s longest standing science event, will be travelling to Hull this autumn.

With a diverse and exciting programme of over 100 talks, debates, performances and activities, the festival runs between Tuesday 11 and Friday 14 September and is taking place across the University of Hull campus and other venues.

Tickets for the events are free and can be booked on the official British Science Festival website.