Question

To ask the Ministers for Women and Equalities, how the Government Equalities Office pilot project to improve links between schools and businesses to raise the career aspirations of young people, which has been awarded to the British Chambers of Commerce, will be co-ordinated with the work in this area at (a) Engineering UK, (b) the Royal Academy of Engineering, (c) the Royal Society and (d) STEMnet.

The aim of the School-Business Partnerships pilot is to establish long lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships in which schools and businesses work together. The primary focus of the partnerships is on business, particularly local business, rather than national organisations. In addition, each partnership is focusing on the sectors best suited to the local area.

Four out of the five partnerships have incorporated some element of STEM activity in their programme. For example, two have partnered with STEM Ambassadors to deliver activities in schools and one partnership is hosting an event with The Royal Academy of Engineering next year. In addition, Government has shared information on the activities of Engineering UK, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society and STEMnet with the British Chambers of Commerce.