Young people across the North of Tyne will get extra help to become the ‘leaders of tomorrow’ in science, technology, engineering and maths.
The North of Tyne Combined Authority’s (NTCA’s) Cabinet has agreed a new funding package to support creative ways of boosting STEM and Digital Skills training. £1.25m will be available over three years to fund projects which will prepare young people for the economic opportunities of the future. T
he NTCA is now inviting project applications for the STEM and Digital Skills programme.
The programme will support one of the six key priorities in the NTCA vision, ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’, which focuses on supporting a high quality, inclusive education system, ensuring our young people have the skills and qualifications to take up good quality training, apprenticeships and jobs.
The first stage of the NTCA STEM and Digital Skills call for projects is now open and will close at midnight on 17 April. A second stage will be opened in June 2019.
Interim Mayor for the North of Tyne Combined Authority Norma Redfearn CBE explained: “We’re committed to bringing forward a programme of activity which supports the delivery of our priorities for our young people.
“The STEM and Digital Skills programme aims to inspire the development of key and essential skills to ensure that our young people can take advantage of the future opportunities that our economy will bring.
“We also want to provide support for high-performing programmes that add capacity and variety to what’s already available, offer something innovative or inspirational and link directly to good careers guidance.”
Councillor Wayne Daley, Cabinet Member for Educational Improvement, added: “I’m delighted that young people and schools will benefit and I hope STEM professionals will come forward to deliver world class STEM lessons for our young people in the North of Tyne area.
“There are massive career opportunities for young people getting engaged with science engineering and technology and I want us to be the world leader in this area and develop the clear link between learning and earning.”
For more information on the project go to www.northoftyne-ca.gov.uk/project-1