Young People in North Derbyshire are set to find out more about careers in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and construction at an annual showcase organised by The Work-Wise Foundation.

Get up to Speed with STEM is the area’s largest annual employer-inspired STEM showcase for young people, and organisers are encouraging businesses interested in taking part in this year’s event to sign up as soon as possible.

Taking place at Magna Science Adventure Centre on Wednesday 23rd March, the event gives young people the chance to see some of the UK’s most exciting STEM inventions and meet the people who design, build and operate them. Attendees can also speak to a host of businesses, inventors, apprentices and education providers on the future of these industries and the career opportunities within them.

Get up to Speed with STEM also gives companies taking part the opportunity to showcase their business, highlight career opportunities and current vacancies and meet with other businesses, whilst helping to address the skills gap in STEM-related industries.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation (organiser of the event) said: “We’ve had a fantastic level of support from businesses already this year and, with just seven weeks to go, we’re almost sold out of exhibition space!  We’re encouraging any companies to get in touch as soon as possible to book a stand, or to become a sponsor, and take part in what is one of the north’s leading interactive science and technology events for young people.”

For the first time, the Get up to Speed live showcase will also be followed by an online event where registered attendees can gain exclusive access to a digital platform. Here users can access virtual tours, demonstrations, career stories, inventions, company profiles and interviews, created by some of the UK’s leading STEM businesses.

Schools wishing to attend the event and gain access to the online platform, are also being encouraged to secure a place as soon as possible, with only afternoon slots now remaining for larger groups. Individuals can also register for the free of charge event.

John Barber adds: “Feedback from our online experience in 2021 was fantastic, so we wanted to ensure that this digital element wasn’t lost now the live event can go ahead again. Every year is a sell out and with the physical showcase and digital platform combined, we have no doubt this year will be our biggest yet. Already 3,000 places have been snapped up by schools, but we do still have afternoon slots available for any schools or individuals and their families that wish to register.”

For over ten years, Get up to Speed, which is championed by employers and organised by The Work-wise Foundation alongside key partners in the private and public sectors, has showcased engineering career opportunities to over 30,000 young people and their families.

The event is designed for young people, their families and teachers to see some of the UK’s best innovations first-hand, hear from and talk to those involved in their success and learn about the future of the sector and its evolution through technology.

Get up to Speed with STEM is open to young people, families, individuals, schools and employers to visit. For more details and to book places, go to www.getuptospeed.org.uk.

Businesses wishing to take part in the event or find out more about booking a stand and/or sponsoring, should email Emily Woods at emily@work-wise.co.uk or call 07847433088.

The Work-Wise Foundation supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.