Overview

The report, developed in response to a key recommendation from the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), provides a comprehensive overview to date of extra-curricular STEM engagement between Irish schools and industry, offering a roadmap to strengthen partnerships and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.
The research was specifically commissioned to address Recommendation 4.1 in the EGFSN's ‘Skills for Biopharma’ report, which called for a more structured approach to engagement to promote biopharma as an accessible and attractive career path.

The key findings of the report demonstrate a strong appetite for STEM engagement from both schools and industry. A significant majority of companies, 89%, currently participate in STEM education programmes, with 41% of companies investing over €10,000 in these activities in 2023, including 12% spending between €100,000 and €150,000.

On the school side, there is an overwhelming desire for partnership, with 96% of schools indicating an appetite for engagement. Looking forward, only 41% of schools have concrete plans to engage with industry in the next 12 months, compared to 43% who currently do not, suggesting a potential gap between stated desire and planned action, even though many schools without plans expressed a willingness to partner.

The report identifies 7 key recommendations to address the cited barriers to engagement. These recommendations centre on improving communication and guidance for both schools and industry. The focus is on promoting available resources, ensuring outreach is accessible and age-appropriate for all cohorts, and supporting teachers in the delivery of high-quality, engaging STEM education