Organisers at Get up to Speed with STEM, Yorkshire’s largest annual employer-inspired science, technology, engineering, manufacturing (STEM) and construction careers spectacular, have announced plans to host an hour-long Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) friendly preview at this year’s event.
Taking place at Magna Science Centre, from 8:30am to 9:30am on Wednesday 25th March, the Get up to Speed SEND preview is free to attend and will be held before the start of the main event. Organisers are encouraging schools, families or individuals supporting children and young people with SEND that wish to attend the event, but require a calmer and quieter atmosphere, to register for this session as soon as possible.
Get up to Speed with STEM, organised by The work-wise Foundation, features over 100 exhibitions, plus a number of interactive zones including Rail, Construction and Uniformed Services. Other attractions include the National Videogames Museum, McLaren Automotive Supercars, Plant Genetics Growth Chamber, University of Sheffield Maker Bus, past and present fire engines, the Rail Human Library and Quantum Physics activities, amongst others.
John Barber, CEO of The work-wise Foundation, said: “We are always exploring ways to enhance the inclusivity of Get Up To Speed and make the event as accessible and welcoming as possible for everyone. This year we are expecting over 4,000 people to attend throughout the course of the day, which may be overwhelming for some children and young people. The SEND friendly preview will provide any individuals that require a calmer environment the chance to experience and enjoy the exhibits without feeling overwhelmed by the larger crowds.”
Over the past 10 years, Get up to Speed, which is championed by employers and delivered through The work-wise Foundation alongside key partners in the private and public sectors, has showcased engineering career opportunities to over 19,000 young people and their families from across the South Yorkshire region and beyond.
This year’s event, sponsored by Sheffield’s Liberty Speciality Steels, Chesterfield’s CBE+ and Rotherham’s AESSEAL plc, will focus on robotics and renewables and include presentations from previous visitors that have gone on to secure a career in STEM-related industries as a result of past events.
Get up to Speed also gives companies the opportunity to showcase their business whilst helping to address the skills gap in STEM-related industries. The event is open to young people, families, individuals, schools and employers to visit.
Places for the SEND preview are very limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
