Hermitage Academy Students Inspired by Second Annual STEM Fest

Hundreds of S2 pupils at Hermitage Academy explored future careers in science, technology, engineering and maths as the school hosted its second annual STEM Fest lon Wednesday 27th May.

Delivered in partnership with ALIenergy, the event brought together 21 companies and organisations and gave 240 pupils the chance to take part in practical workshops, meet local employers and find out how STEM skills are used in the workplace.

Practical Workshops Bring STEM to Life

As part of the day, pupils took part in hands-on workshops, giving them a chance to experience STEM subjects beyond the classroom and understand their links to real careers.

Workshop sessions were delivered by UHI, Scottish Fire and Rescue, SmartSTEMs, RAF, Argyll and Bute Digital Learning Team, and Glasgow Scientific Services.

Employers Share Career Pathways

The careers marketplace gave pupils the opportunity to speak directly with organisations working in STEM-related industries. Exhibitors shared advice on possible career routes, explained the skills involved in different roles and answered questions from students.

Interactive demonstrations and technology displays also helped pupils see how science, engineering and digital skills are applied in everyday work, encouraging them to think about where STEM could take them in the future.

Strong Response from Exhibitors and School Staff

Feedback from participating organisations was overwhelmingly positive, with exhibitors praising the enthusiasm and curiosity shown by pupils throughout the day.

One exhibitor described the pupils as “fab” and said there had been “lots of engaging conversations”, while others highlighted the “great engagement from the pupils”, calling the event “very successful” and praising the “highly engaged young people” who took part.

Hermitage Academy also underlined the importance of the event within pupils’ wider learning, describing STEM Fest as “a key event in the STEM journey our pupils have throughout their time in school”.

ALIenergy said it was delighted to see students, staff and visiting organisations respond so positively to the day, adding that STEM Fest continues to play an important role in inspiring young people to explore

 future opportunities in STEM.