Esh Construction supports STEM in local schools

Esh Construction has partnered with the North East Combined Authority to enhance STEM provision in schools across the region.

As part of the combined authority’s North East Ambition Programme, the contractor has provided six bespoke kits to support a wider understanding of STEM-related construction careers.

Each STEM kit contains resources such as foam bricks, measuring equipment, careers-related literature and PPE.

Through the programme, Esh is currently training six careers champions, who will then host a ‘Get into STEM’ session in participating schools, with the kits available for schools to use for extra-curricular sessions that will promote STEM careers. 

The ‘Get into STEM’ sessions are designed to support and develop skills essential for STEM-related careers.

Since 2015, Esh has delivered the programme to more than 16,900 primary school students across the North East, Tees Valley and Yorkshire.

Kate Marshall, social value manager for the North East at Esh Construction, said: “Our team has been working closely with the careers champions to demonstrate programme delivery of the STEM kits, so that they can train up teachers and classroom assistants to use the kits within their own schools. 

“The initiative to enhance STEM understanding to more students across our region will ultimately raise awareness of a range of career options in the construction and built environment sector.

“At a time when our industry is dealing with a skills shortage, engaging with students from a young age will provide opportunities as we move into the 2030s and beyond.

"Our relationship with the North East Combined Authority continues to prosper to bring through the next generation of STEM workers, and we’re excited to watch as this programme develops over the coming months.”

The school rollout will commence in the autumn. Schools will be able to contact their local careers champion to access the kits through a booking and collection point.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, North East Combined Authority Cabinet member for education, inclusion and skills, said: “This STEM kit rollout will support our work delivering careers-related learning for primary schools in the region, by providing an opportunity for meaningful employer engagement within a key sector. 

“The kit will help challenge gender stereotyping, support numeracy and literacy, and give the children a chance to learn about different progression pathways that will be available for them in the future, including apprenticeships and T Levels.”