The Blaenau Gwent STEM Facilitation Project Team have won the STEM Educational Programme of The Year (Public Sector) Award at the prestigious Wales STEM Awards held at the Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff last Thursday 17th October 2024.
The award category recognises outstanding initiative in addressing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) diversity gap and skills shortage whilst raising aspirations for the next generation of STEM students.
Winning such an award is an outstanding achievement as there are many other well known and established organisations competing in the same category such as Cardiff University and the University of South Wales.
Dr Luisa Munro-Morris, Blaenau Gwent Council Corporate Director of Education, said:
鈥淭his is a fantastic achievement for the STEM Facilitation Project Team, it鈥檚 such a proud moment for them to be recognised for all the hard work they have done. STEM is an integral part of the school curriculum, and it is so reassuring that these high standards are in place ready for the future.鈥�
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Key skills such as problem solving, digital literacy, critical analysis, communication and independent thinking are among the new skills required for children to excel throughout their learning journey.
Councillor John C Morgan - Cabinet Member - Place and Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
鈥淭he calibre of candidates within this category was extremely high which makes the winning of this award even more impressive. The development of STEM expertise is vital for future generations and our economy especially as expertise in the workplace is changing so rapidly. This shows that we already have an excellent STEM platform in place, allowing businesses in Blaenau Gwent to recruit candidates with skill sets ready for their ever-changing business needs.鈥�
Tara Lane, Team Manager Connected Communities said:
鈥淚 am delighted that the STEM Team have received such an award, it not only highlights the importance of STEM in our schools but also the significant value for the future of our businesses and workplaces throughout the borough. The links between education and business is paramount for progress as the skills required in the workplace will change significantly and quicker than they have done for previous generations. This award shows how we have embraced change and are preparing for future economic development.鈥�
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| From left to right: Welsh television news reader Lucy Owen, Samuel Harris Liaison Officer (BGCBC STEM Facilitation) HiVE Hubs, Liaison Officer (BGCBC STEM Facilitation Project), Tara Lane (BGCBC Team Manager Connected Communities) and Julie Timothy (BGCBC Team Leader STEM Facilitation), holding the award. | The Blaenau Gwent STEM Educational Programme of The Year (Public Sector) Award. | |
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| From left to right: Mark Llangshaw, Managing Director Continental Teves UK Ltd, Julie Timothy (BGCBC Team Leader STEM Facilitation), holding the award. Tara Lane (BGCBC Team Manager Connected Communities) and Councillor John C Morgan BGCBC Cabinet Member for Place and Regeneration and Economic Development. |