The BCC School and Business Partnership pilot project, a collaboration between the Government Equalities Office and Chambers of Commerce, was launched in May 2014 and has now completed its initial stages. The project has engaged almost 1,500 female students and brought together 38 businesses and 37 schools to promote STEM subjects and careers to girls, aged between 13 and 15 years.
BCC said: "Research shows that STEM skills shortages are prevalent in the UK and that there is a shortfall of around 20,000 STEM graduates each year. At present, women represent only 13% of the STEM workforce, leaving an untapped pool of talent that could help to address persistent skills shortages."
The initiative, delivered by five Chambers of Commerce in Plymouth and Devon, Hertfordshire, North East, Staffordshire and St Helens, sought to raise young women's aspirations in STEM through interactions with local businesses.
Following the successful pilot, the BCC and Government Equalities Office will publish a full report on the School and Business Partnership programme in the autumn, which will be available to schools across the country. This will set out key recommendations for schools to consider, including:
- Taking teachers out of the classroom and putting them into a business environment
- Allowing for businesses to be involved in lesson plans
- Promoting direct engagement between business leaders and pupils
