How to develop STEM outreach partnerships

STEM outreach isn’t something you need to do alone. Collaboration rather than competition among employers could provide a solution for attracting new talent into STEM roles. According to data by Prospects Luminate, two thirds of schools and colleges and 82% of businesses are calling for more employers to come together to deliver career activities either by sector, skill, or career pathway.

Some UK-based organisations are helping to bridge the gap between educators and employers, making collaboration easier and more effective. They work with employers to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on projects.

STEM organisations for outreach

Find out more about this selection of STEM organisations and check out the resources below.

Women into Science and Engineering (WISE)

Women into Science and Engineering, or WISE, works to promote gender balance in STEM fields across the UK. They encourage women and girls to pursue STEM education and careers, while helping employers create inclusive workplaces. Through membership, organisations gain access to resources, diversity-focused training, and events aimed at increasing women’s representation and retention in STEM roles.

STEM Learning

STEM Learning is one of the UK’s largest providers of education and career support in STEM. They help employers engage with schools through their STEM Ambassadors programme, which connects professionals with schools to provide hands-on experiences and career insights.

The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC)

The CEC connects schools and employers through enterprise advisers who help develop strong careers education strategies. They provide guidance to schools and colleges, encouraging employers to contribute to career talks, mentoring, and more. Employers can support CEC by working with local schools, offering apprenticeships, and providing practical work experience.

EngineeringUK

EngineeringUK works to inspire the next generation of engineers through events like The Big Bang Fair, and by providing resources for schools to learn more about engineering careers. Engineering companies can partner with schools through sponsorships, volunteering, and supporting educational programmes.

Stemettes

The Stemettes organisation focuses on encouraging young women and non-binary people to pursue careers in STEM. Stemettes provides mentorship and events to help connect schools with industry professionals. Employers can sponsor events, offer mentorship, and provide role models to speak in schools.

Primary Engineer

For engineers in the making, Primary Engineer supports the teaching of STEM subjects by working with teachers and industry professionals to bring real-world engineering experiences to primary and secondary school students. Employers can participate by delivering practical engineering projects and engaging with students through hands-on activities.

CREST Awards (British Science Association)

The CREST Awards is a UK-wide STEM awards scheme for young people that allows students to tackle STEM projects with real-world applications. Employers can support by offering challenges or sponsorship, mentoring students, or providing funding or sponsorship.

Tomorrow’s Engineers Code

The Tomorrow’s Engineers Code brings together employers, educators, and organisations to enhance engineering outreach. Signatories commit to delivering engaging STEM activities, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups. Employers sign the Code as part of their pledge to provide high-quality engineering experiences, share resources, and promote best practices to improve the STEM outreach landscape.

Tech She Can

The Tech She Can initiative aims to increase the number of women in technology by inspiring young girls to consider careers in the field. It offers free educational resources and lesson plans for schools to teach children, especially girls, about technology and its career opportunities. Employers can collaborate by becoming members of the movement, sponsoring educational content, and providing role models and volunteers to participate in outreach activities.

Other useful resources

These careers services and hubs can help support you to make connections with schools in your area and support events.

• England: Careers Hubs - The Careers and Enterprise Company
• Wales: Careers Wales - Careers Wales (gov.wales)
• Scotland: Scotland's Careers Services - Skills Development Scotland
• Northern Ireland: Careers - nidirect

The tools for educators developed by Enginuity offer young people aged 8-14 the chance to explore virtual zones and discover the range of industries and opportunities available in engineering and manufacturing. They can be used for free as part of your school engagement.

Find out more: Tools for educators - Enginuity

Launched by EngineeringUK, the Neon platform serves as a resource hub for teachers, where you can advertise the different resources, experiences, or activities available through your organisation.

Find out more: Neon - Brilliant inspiration for STEM teachers

The Provider Directory for Employers from the Careers and Enterprise Company allows schools and colleges to connect with organisations offering careers activities and guidance.

Find out more: Provider Directory for Employers - Results

Employers can use the Go Construct website to promote construction careers, using the educational content, and real-life case studies or role models to inspire and attract new talent to the industry. It also includes personality quizzes to help young people identify what career may be suitable for them.

Find out more: Construction Is A Career Like No Other - Go Construct

If you need some tips on how to get in touch with schools and educators to offer your services, see our handy sample letter available for download.

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