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At NRL, our teams are passionate about supporting the future of STEM. Not just through the recruitment and workforce solutions we provide today, but by helping to shape the talent pipeline of tomorrow. That’s why initiatives that connect young learners with real-world industry insight are so important to us.
Over the past year, my colleague Laura Smith and I have had the privilege of working alongside Northumberland Skills to deliver a series of interactive workshops at the Energy Central Campus in Blyth. These sessions have been designed to inspire learners considering careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to help them understand the exciting opportunities available within these sectors.
The Energy Central Campus, located in the heart of Blyth, is a hub for innovation and skills development in the North East. It’s a fitting venue for these workshops, which aim to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing learners with practical advice, industry context, and the chance to ask questions directly to professionals working in STEM-related roles.
Our sessions have focused on helping learners explore the wide range of career paths available to them, from engineering and project management to technical roles in energy and infrastructure. We’ve also discussed the importance of transferable skills, the value of apprenticeships, and how to navigate the recruitment process with confidence – as well as sharing advice on networking across social media platforms like LinkedIn to discover new career opportunities and connect with like-minded professionals in similar roles.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative has been seeing the impact it’s had on the learners we’ve supported. A significant number of those who attended our workshops have since gone on to secure apprenticeships, a testament to their ambition, the support provided by Northumberland Skills, and the power of early engagement with industry professionals.
Bridging the STEM Skills Gap
The UK continues to face a significant STEM skills gap, with many industries reporting challenges in recruiting qualified candidates to fill technical and specialist roles. This shortage not only affects productivity and innovation, but also limits the country’s ability to meet future demands in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.
Bridging this gap requires a proactive and collaborative approach. Employers, educators, and training providers must work together to ensure that young people are aware of the opportunities available to them and are equipped with the skills needed to succeed. Early engagement is key.
By introducing learners to STEM careers at a formative stage, we can help them make informed decisions and build confidence in their abilities. Workshops like those delivered at the Energy Central Campus are a vital part of this effort, providing learners with a tangible connection to industry, helping to demystify technical roles and highlighting the real-world impact of STEM careers. To us, this is an incredibly important initiative - helping to build a more resilient and capable workforce, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Supporting the next generation
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue this work. We’ve already scheduled another workshop session for early next year to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, the nationwide celebration of apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and communities. This upcoming session will build on the success of our previous workshops, offering learners even more insight into the world of work and the opportunities available to them.
Through teaching practical employability skills, such as CV writing and interview preparation, as well as showcasing real-life career journeys from professionals working in STEM roles, our aim is to empower learners to take the next step with confidence. Whether that’s applying for an apprenticeship, pursuing further education, or exploring other pathways into industry.
Supporting the next generation of STEM learners isn’t just about filling future vacancies, it’s about investing in people, communities and the long-term success of our industries. We’re proud to play a part in this journey, and we’re grateful to Northumberland Skills and the Energy Central Campus for their continued partnership. Together, we’re excited to continue investing in the future of the next generation of STEM talent.