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Empey calls on young people to embrace STEM subjects

2 June 2010

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today highlighted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) to the Northern Ireland economy.

The Minister was speaking as he visited the Nature Quest exhibition which is currently on display in the W5 complex at the Odyssey Arena. The exhibition, developed in partnership with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and containing exhibits solely from Northern Ireland, aims to help visitors engage with biodiversity as part of the International Year of Biodiversity. The Minister was given a tour of the interactive exhibition by W5 Chief Executive Sally Montgomery.

After viewing the exhibition, Sir Reg said: “It is important that we use exhibitions such as Nature Quest to help inspire our young people to go on to be the next generation of ground breaking scientists and engineers.

“Over the next ten years, the local economy will require an increasing number of people with skills in STEM subjects. My Department is entirely committed to encouraging more people to gain economically relevant qualifications in these areas.”

The Minister concluded: “My Department launched the skills strategy, Success Through Skills 2, for public consultation yesterday and the development of STEM skills is a key theme within this document.  In the workforce of the future, qualifications in these areas will be much sought-after and so I would encourage our young people to consider the career opportunities that will follow on from study in science-related subjects.”

Notes to editors:

  1. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch, on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.