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PARTNERSHIP working is the key to unlocking doorways to opportunity for young people interested in studying STEM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. And Glasgow Kelvin College is right at the heart of a wide range of partnerships which are making a real difference to young people's lives. Carlyn McNab, Head of Faculty for Science and Technology, says: "We have strong partnerships with employers, with schools and students, and with Glasgow City Council. It's a collaborative effort. She highlights the Glasgow School-College Business Partnership which is delivering an innovative one-year scholarship programme leading to a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering - providing a unique pathway into a range of engineering occupations for S5 and S6 pupils. Currently, 16 pupils from secondary schools in north east Glasgow are on the programme, which combines school and college-based study, as well as work experience placements. "We are working with two big employers - Amey and Network Rail - and Scottish Water has agreed to come on board," Carlyn explains. "We are talking to other employers to tell them how this can work for them - by helping them understand that these young people could be their employees of the future."
Partnership in Profile Carlyn McNab – Head of Faculty Engineering, Construction and Science Carlyn says this is just one of many engineering pathways offered as part of a wider STEM programme. Glasgow Kelvin College has developed a STEM manifesto to stress the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and is also part of a Glasgow-wide STEM Strategy. "It's all about creating opportunities for young people to fill the skills gaps of the future - which are very much in areas like engineering," Carlyn explains. "We have to provide a range of different pathways apprenticeships, HNCs, HNDs and articulation into universities - and the motivation for young people to fill those skills gaps. It's not a short-term fix, it's about building the workforce of the future." The Glasgow Kelvin College STEM
manifesto is about highlighting the importance of the subjects and making sure the curriculum matches the jobs of the future and fits the changing face of the economy. "The STEM manifesto gives us a focus; it's not an end," Carlyn stresses. "We make commitments to provide these pathways for young people - and we need to meet them; we don't put the manifesto in a drawer. It's right at the centre of what the college does in providing opportunities for young people; equipping them with the skills and knowledge to follow the pathway which suits them best." Carlyn McNab is a woman in what is still largely a man's world. She personally has never experienced any problems in this respect but recognises there is major work to do
in getting young women to study STEM subjects, especially engineering. "We have women on just about all the courses now, but the numbers are small. We need to talk to girls in schools and enthuse them - it's a big issue but the college is determined to address it. We’re already working with local primary school pupils to try to break down gender stereotyping at an early age. “We’re happy to work with schools, parents and employers to seek solutions and hopefully we’ll see the results of this work in the near future."
For more information, contact Calyn McNab: cmcnab@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk Page 5