Over three days just over 3,000 pupils from across the North East descended on St. James Park for the region’s biggest NetZero event.

50 local businesses exhibited, demonstrating opportunities to explore a future career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sectors earlier this week.

The event, which was organised by North East STEM Hub, and delivered by RTC North, allowed 100 schools to meet and engage with businesses in person, ask questions, experience hands on activities and identify how they can get involved in related opportunities. There were also 1800 – 2000 trees given away to plant thanks to Forestry Commission.

Through five themed zones, more than 50 North East organisations leading the way in sustainability provided interactive opportunities for nine to 13-year-olds to learn more about climate adaptation, business and industry, buildings and construction, transport, and power and natural resources.

The event would not have been possible without the support from Headline Sponsor Sage as well as Dogger Bank Wind Farm, Jacobs, Accenture, Balfour Beatty and Stagecoach.

David Harrop, Climate Change and Environment Director, Sage said: “It was thrilling for Sage to be the headline sponsor of the STEMFest NetZero exhibition. As a global technology  company founded and still headquartered in the North East, we are heavily focussed on investing in and creating learning environments that will help nurture STEM skills in the region’s young people.

“Tackling the global climate crisis requires bold action and through our ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions and commit to NetZero, Sage is determined to play its part. This event was a great stop and think moment and a perfect reminder of the part we all play in helping our country reach sustainability ambitions through STEM.”

Tom Nightingale, North East Stakeholder Manager, for Dogger Bank said: “STEM initiatives are at the heart of the Dogger Bank Community Fund and we were delighted to support this major STEM event in Newcastle, where we are building our operations and maintenance base. We hope to inspire young people in the region to study STEM subjects and enter careers in the energy sector and STEMFest is a great way to reach the next generation.”

Jacobs informed us that their team is proud to have contributed at STEMFest. It was inspiring to see the young people engaging with challenges focusing on NetZero and carbon reduction and sampling the Butterfly Effect programme Jacobs’ primary STEAM engagement resource focused on climate change. As young people are the consumers of the future, we value our shared responsibility to help them put sustainability at the heart of every decision they make.

Clare Davison, Social Value Coordinator at Balfour Beatty commented: “STEMFest NetZero has provided young people with a real insight into what it is like to work in our industry in in the 21st century, giving them the opportunity to speak to our leading experts across a multitude of disciplines and see first-hand how technology is revolutionising the way that we operate.

“The atmosphere was fantastic throughout, and we hope that through the interactive event we have played a part in t inspiring the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.”

Stagecoach North East Managing Director, Steve Walker, added: “WE are delighted to have been involved in STEMFest and feel grateful to have face to ace events back in our calendar.

“The focus of our sustainability strategy is to help create a greener, smarter, safer, healthier, and fairer country by leveraging our power to connect communities sustainability and achieve our collective economic, social and environment objectives.

“Events like STEMFest give exhibitors the opportunity to reach young people about the important role we can all play in tackling Climate Change and we would like to thank Newcastle United Foundation and the participating local schools for such an engaging and successful event.”  

For coverage on STEMFest NetZero visit:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stemhubnortheast

Want to get in involved with STEM, then visit https://northeaststemhub.co.uk/