Last week at the Life Centre, Bradford the Yorkshire and Humber STEM Hub delivered an electrifying STEMFest three-day hands-on event, engaging over 2,000 schoolchildren and their teachers with the wonders of STEM subjects and careers.

Coordinated by the Yorkshire and Humber STEM Hub, delivered by RTC North this event welcomed over 50 leading businesses from various STEM industries who came together offering an abundance of hands-on-activities, informative talks and captivating demonstrations.

The exhibition featured dedicated zones for the schoolchildren to explore, each themed around key STEM sectors: Space/ Travel, Health/ Wellbeing, Cyber Security/ Technology/ Digital, Manufacturing and Engineering. The planetarium, a recognised favourite, amazed attendees once again with its immersive space experiences.

One of the events highlights, which brough much joy and excitement was the appearance of the beloved mascot ‘Turbo Ted’ from Cummins who were headline sponsor for the event. The catering, sponsored by the local diary company, Arla Foods, ensured everyone stayed energised throughout the busy event. Ward and Burke also generously sponsored the Manufacturing and Engineering zone.

The first morning of the festival held a business breakfast networking event, hosted by Dallas Campbell, featured insightful speeches from esteemed guests, including: Jamie Ollivere (RTC North), Jim Christensen (Aldrin Foundation), Steve Gregory (Supply Chain West Yorkshire), Jonathan Wood (CTO Cummins), Susan Hinchcliffe Leader of Bradford Council and Mandy Ridyard (FD at Produmax, Mayor’s Business Advisor & Chair Space Hub Yorkshire).

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, joined by a small group of enthusiastic children holding the ribbon, officially opened the event on stage, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. In the afternoon, 10 schools showcased their creativity and knowledge, taking part in a Space competition to a panel of judges which included Mandy Ridyard, Dallas Campbell, and Jim Christensen.

Day one concluded with a productive Women in STEM network meeting, highlighting achievements and opportunities available for Yorkshire women in STEM fields. The event continued to be a resounding success over the following two days, inspiring the young attendees.

Each company that exhibited and each sponsor that generously sponsored played their part in committing to providing job opportunities now and in the future to support and guide the next generation into STEM sectors.

Claire Willis, Team Leader at the North East and Yorkshire and Humber STEM Hub comments “This is the first time that we have delivered STEMFest in the Yorkshire and Humber region and it has been a huge success. Welcoming over 2000 young people and their teachers is a fantastic achievement and I have no doubt that every one of them left the exhibition inspired in the STEM subjects. I would like to personally thank all of the sponsors who not only contributed financially but also volunteered their staff to support the main exhibition. We are looking forward to delivering this event again in 2025.”

STEMFest events are gaining more traction, with recent coverage for this event in The Yorkshire Press. We encourage you to search #STEMFest to view all the media coverage from this and past STEMFest events throughout the North East and Yorkshire and Humber regions.

To find out more about the next upcoming STEMFest event in October, visit: STEMFest 2024 (stem-hub.co.uk)