Stemming the skills shortage: Trust Horizon supports STEM initiatives in the Eastern Bay
Putiputi Te Pairi and Joe Harvey from Nukuhou North School using Epro8 equipment.
New Zealand is facing a significant skills shortfall in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). And as the world becomes increasingly complex and technologically driven, STEM skills are only going to become more in demand.
That’s why Trust Horizon is committed to ensuring Eastern Bay of Plenty rangatahi have the tools they need to develop the team-work, problem-solving and design-thinking skills that will be central to jobs of the future.
“The demands on our workforce are changing: our ageing population means we are facing a skilled labour shortage in the trades sector. Climate change and the shift to sustainable energy pose many challenges for the future,” says Trustee Horizon Trustee Merrin Stables. “These challenges need to be met with a generation of skilled innovators.”
A key step on the journey to fostering these skills and growing students’ interest in STEM-related pathways is giving students access to the right equipment and learning.
Recently, trustees approved funding of $49,965 for the purchase of twelve sets of EPro8 equipment as a shared resource for Whakatāne Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning) schools, an initiative that will promote STEM pathways in Eastern Bay tamariki and rangatahi.
EPro8 focuses on engineering, electronics and construction, and provides students with the opportunity to collaboratively solve relevant and engaging problems using equipment that is not readily available to most schools.
“Whakatāne Kāhui Ako schools are very excited to have STEM supported for our children by Trust Horizon,” says Principal of Apanui School and Lead Principal of Whakatāne Kāhui Ako, Simon Akroyd.
“This support provides all of our EBOP schools the opportunity to engage children from Years 5-13 with the EPro8 gear, which can meet individual needs, regardless of skills and experience.
“We are looking to employ an EPro8 expert to upskill a teacher in each school, who will then become the champion for EPro8 in each school. This ensures that all teachers will be supported and that we have a sustainable approach to maximising this resource.”
Exposure to STEM through engaging lessons is crucial for fostering an interest in STEM pathways in youth. However, a lack of funding in primary and intermediate schools for science means some rangatahi are entering high school with limited science knowledge.
This is why Trust Horizon is pleased to have approved a grant of $10,800 for Eastbay REAP, an education-focused community and social development organisation, to further their distribution of House of Science resource kits in Eastern Bay schools.
House of Science develops comprehensive, hands-on resource kits designed to build teacher confidence in teaching science, while encouraging young people to explore and gain more understanding of the science areas related to each kit.
Currently, Eastbay REAP service 34 out of 52 Eastern Bay schools with House of Science kits and report that the barrier for schools not involved in the initiative is predominantly monetary.
The Trust Horizon funding will cover seventy-five per cent of the cost of a Bronze membership for each of the 18 schools in the Eastern Bay who are yet to take up House of Science memberships. This will enable the schools to source two kits per fortnight and experience the educational opportunities the resources offer.
“With the Trust joining other local partners to remove identified financial barriers to access House of Science, we are able to build equality and equity into science opportunities,” says Eastbay REAP Schools Sector Leader, Courtney Andrews.
The Trust is also pleased to continue its annual sponsorship of two ‘Hot Stuff’ kits, which include resources students can use to explore energy-related activities.
“The EPro8 and House of Science programmes are working to equip young people in the Eastern Bay with the skills and knowledge they will need for the jobs of the future, whatever they may be,” says Stables. “The Trust is proud to support local organisations who are helping to provide these valuable learning opportunities for our tamariki.”
Read more about Trust Horizon’s projects in our posts here.