ATA Recruitment

​Building the Future: Why Early STEM Engagement Matters

The UK’s engineering and manufacturing industries face a dual challenge: a growing demand for skilled workers, and a shrinking talent pipeline. Without targeted efforts to inspire and prepare the next generation, the skills gap will continue to widen.

At ATA Recruitment, we believe the solution starts long before a job advert is posted. That’s why we’re proud to be an active supporter of STEM initiatives that inspire, educate, and empower young people to see a future for themselves in technical and engineering careers.

​

From Classroom to Career: Bridging Education and Industry

A recent report from EngineeringUK shows that young people are interested in STEM, but many lack clear pathways into technical roles - especially if they don’t fit the traditional mould.

We work to change that by:

• Partnering with clients to support apprenticeship, graduate, and school-leaver programmes

• Promoting accessible job pathways, including for non-degree routes

• Advising businesses on how to attract and retain young talent

• Encouraging employers to participate in school outreach and mentoring

We also collaborate with external organisations like STEM Learning UK and The 5% Club to stay connected with what young people need from employers.

​

A New Generation, A New Set of Priorities

Tomorrow’s engineers, technicians, and project managers are not just looking for a job - they’re looking for purpose, flexibility, diversity, and values-driven companies.

By aligning our recruitment strategies with what young professionals care about, we help employers:

• Build employer brands that resonate

• Write job adverts that attract Gen Z and early-career professionals

• Create onboarding experiences that support development and retention

This is especially important when attracting young women, ethnic minority candidates, neurodiverse individuals, and others who remain underrepresented in technical fields.

​

Real Impact Through STEM Recruitment

Through our work across engineering, infrastructure, and automation, we’ve helped companies:

• Launch STEM outreach initiatives at local schools and colleges

• Develop graduate pipelines and structured entry-level pathways

• Recruit their first apprentices in hard-to-fill regions

• Build inclusive campaigns that speak to early-career candidates

• Support career changers and returners through reskilling and retraining

You can see our wider diversity commitment on our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page, where STEM and inclusivity intersect.

​

Creating Opportunities That Last

STEM isn’t just about solving today’s hiring challenges. It’s about building resilient, future-ready industries that thrive on innovation and inclusivity.

Whether it’s through STEM apprenticeships, graduate placements, or employer outreach, ATA Recruitment is committed to making those opportunities visible - and accessible - to all.

​

Let’s Grow the Future Together

Explore how ATA Recruitment is inspiring the next generation of STEM talent: Visit our Driving STEM Initiatives page

Or talk to us about building a future-focused, inclusive hiring strategy: Contact ATA Recruitment