Schoolgirls in Milton Keynes urged to reach for the stars with career in science, engineering and technology

A major campaign to get young people from Milton Keynes interested in a career in science and technology will launch on social media next month.

MK Innovates aims to inspire city youngsters - particularly schoolgirls - to consider a future in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

The sector is facing a recruitment crisis, with thousands of unfilled vacancies in highly paid roles in the automotive and aerospace industries.

The MK Innovates initiative - created by Women’s Leaders UK - will also appeal to graduates, adult career changers and first jobbers. It will feature a host of exciting interviews, competitions, science tasks, puzzles and investigations.

Businesses, colleges and universities in Milton Keynes and the surrounding region will upload content to their own social media platforms but unify the presentations using the hashtags #MKInnovates, #InnovatingForTheFuture and #BSW21 (British Science Week).

Taking place from March 8-12, MK Innovates will also highlight the types of organisations and jobs that already exist in Milton Keynes, and encourage youngsters to study STEM subjects at school, college and university.

The event is an online prelude to the annual MK Stem Festival in Middleton Hall, which has been put back until October 8-9 due to the pandemic.

It has the backing of firms including Niftylift, City Fibre, Anglian Water and Starship - which developed the world famous little white delivery robots.

MK Innovates chairman Elizabeth Sheldon said: “Industry is crying out for more engineers and scientists, particularly women. There are not enough girls in the sector and we want to help change that by highlighting the exciting opportunities to them from the ages of eight to 18.

“A career in science and technology can be exhilarating, and well rewarded.

“Our online event will showcase the businesses and education establishments in Milton Keynes that are at the cutting edge of technology and are helping to shape our futures.

“We would love people to share details of the event on their social media channels and spread the word - let’s create a real buzz around Milton Keynes.”

Jason Ford, news editor at The Engineer, said: “Engineers will use their collective expertise to address the world’s most profound challenges - from decarbonisation and climate change to vehicle electrification and automation.

“The Engineer’s 2019 survey found the average salary across all the engineering sectors came in at between £44,000 and £59,000.

“There is also a recognised skills gap in the profession, so salaries will be at a premium for those that do the ‘hard yards’ and qualify as an engineer, either through an apprenticeship or the university route.

“Engineering skills are interchangeable and can be taken overseas. An aerodynamicist can quite easily move from designing rotor blades for wind turbines to working in automotive or aerospace.

“The world really is your oyster if you pursue STEM subjects and make a career from them.”

Find out more about MK Innovates at Twitter@mkinnovates, Facebook/MKInnovates or sign up for the newsletter at www.mkinnovates.co.uk

We came fifth in the world!

Demi York, 21, joined Niftylift as an apprentice after leaving Denbigh School in Bletchley.

She has worked on the production lines, in quality, development and hydraulics, and is currently learning with the fault diagnostics team.

She says: “I have always been a creative person and I like to draw, build and learn new things.

“I signed up for the opportunity to do the Land Rover 4x4 in Schools Competition, which was sponsored by Niftylift. We were an all-girls team and managed to make it to the World Finals in Abu Dhabi.

“Niftylift gave us a tour of the factory and allowed one of their colleagues to come to Abu Dhabi with us. We managed to come fifth in the world!

“But there is more to engineering than just building things. There is something for everyone, whether you like drawing, designing, maths, problem solving, IT skills, 3D software - the possibilities are endless. If you like the building side then even better.

“I am glad I chose my apprenticeship with Niftylift as I have learnt all the different types of engineering departments. I have been given opportunities to host at STEM festivals and other events such as Women in Engineering Day, and going in and talking to schools.

“Don’t let the fact that there are fewer women stop you. Do what you love and stick with it.”

I’ve enjoyed creating things from a young age

Evie Charles, 22, also joined Niftylift’s apprenticeship scheme after studying at Radcliffe School, Wolverton and Denbigh Sixth Form.

She says: “I spoke to some Niftylift apprentices at my school’s career morning in Year 13 and undertook a week’s work experience shortly after, which I loved!

“I preferred the idea of getting an engineering qualification while gaining on the job experience.

“I’ve always enjoyed creating things from a young age, whether it was out of Lego or during my design technology lessons.

“My chosen subjects at school didn’t include engineering directly: I took maths, physics, graphics with materials technology and geography at A Level. My A2 graphic design project required me to think in a technical manner and research possible manufacturing/construction methods.

“One of my rotations allowed me to participate on a new development project in the design department. In the space of four months we developed an idea through various ideas/designs into a prototype where the concept could be tested. I gained a lot of experience and technical knowledge.

“If you haven’t taken the specific subject required, be open minded and try to take work experience in an area you’re interested in. If you like problem solving, designing and thinking creatively, working in a team and developing new technologies, then consider studying a STEAM subject - you don’t know what it has to offer!”

High level backing for STEM initiative

MK Innovates is being supported by some of the city’s biggest institutions.

Dr Julie Mills, chair of Women Leaders UK and chief executive of Milton Keynes College, said: “WLUK is passionate about promoting careers in STEM to girls and women in particular.

“Creativity and problem solving are at the heart of MK Innovates and developing an online programme to engage young people is very exciting.

“The past year has seen unprecedented technological growth, and nobody could have predicted the changes coming our way.

“This new world calls for digital innovators, and MK Innovates will play its part in inspiring the next generation.”

Professor Lynette Ryals, pro-vice chancellor at Cranfield University and CEO of MK:U, said: “MK is leading the UK in embracing new technology.

“That’s why MK:U - the proposed new university in MK - will focus on digital and STEM subjects. Working with MK College, with schools and with the Institute of Technology, we plan to make Milton Keynes a top destination for STEM.

“MK Innovates plays a vital part, enthusing people of all ages about STEM careers and about the benefits that new technologies can bring to our lives.”

Milton Keynes Council is also backing MK Innovates.

Geoff Snelson, director of strategy and futures, said: “The new Milton Keynes Strategy for 2050 highlights how knowledge-intensive businesses such as finance, digital and technology will drive our future economy.

“This in turn will require a talented workforce with skills in STEM disciplines and creative thinking. MK Innovates is a great example of how the city can work together to achieve this.”