Inspiring Future Talent Through STEM
At ATA Recruitment, we understand that bridging the skills gap isn’t just about today's workforce, it’s about future-proofing the industry for tomorrow. That’s why we’re passionate about promoting careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), actively engaging in initiatives to inspire and inform the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent.
Through our internal network of STEM Ambassadors, we work closely with schools, colleges, and community organisations to raise awareness of the diverse and exciting career paths available within our sectors.
By showcasing what a future in engineering and manufacturing looks like, we’re helping young people see beyond the stereotypes and get excited about the possibilities. We partner with forward-thinking employers who are keen to invest in early engagement strategies and build relationships with future talent. Whether you’re looking to host a site tour or sponsor an event, we can support your STEM outreach goals.
Latest Case Studies
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Innovators: How ATA Recruitment Is Shaping the Next Generation of STEM Talent
Building the Future: Why Early STEM Engagement MattersThe 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 IndustryA 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 programmesPromoting accessible job pathways, including for non-degree routesAdvising businesses on how to attract and retain young talentEncouraging employers to participate in school outreach and mentoringWe 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 PrioritiesTomorrow’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 resonateWrite job adverts that attract Gen Z and early-career professionalsCreate onboarding experiences that support development and retentionThis is especially important when attracting young women, ethnic minority candidates, neurodiverse individuals, and others who remain underrepresented in technical fields.Real Impact Through STEM RecruitmentThrough our work across engineering, infrastructure, and automation, we’ve helped companies:Launch STEM outreach initiatives at local schools and collegesDevelop graduate pipelines and structured entry-level pathwaysRecruit their first apprentices in hard-to-fill regionsBuild inclusive campaigns that speak to early-career candidatesSupport career changers and returners through reskilling and retrainingYou can see our wider diversity commitment on our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page, where STEM and inclusivity intersect.Creating Opportunities That LastSTEM 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 TogetherExplore how ATA Recruitment is inspiring the next generation of STEM talent: Visit our Driving STEM Initiatives pageOr talk to us about building a future-focused, inclusive hiring strategy: Contact ATA Recruitment
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Why the Engineering Sector Needs to Engage Future Talent through STEM Initiatives
Bridging the Skills Gap: Why the Engineering Sector Must Engage Future Talent through STEM InitiativesIn 2024, around 70% of UK businesses reported struggling to recruit Engineers. To address this crisis, companies must invest in future talent by engaging with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives. Here’s why this approach is critical:Tackling the Skills Gap STEM initiatives help inspire and equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in engineering, directly addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers. In fact, studies show that students involved in STEM programs are 3.5 times more likely to pursue STEM careers.Building a Future Talent PipelineBy engaging students early, businesses can nurture a steady stream of talent that is better prepared to meet future industry needs, ensuring long-term sustainability. Encouragingly,89% of employersbelieve that apprenticeship and training programs will play a crucial role in building future skills.Encouraging InnovationA focus on STEM education helps cultivate problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation—all crucial for driving technological advancements and staying competitive in the global market. STEM careers are predicted to grow at twice the rate of non-STEM jobs over the next decade.Supporting Economic GrowthA well-prepared and skilled engineering workforce boosts productivity and innovation, contributing to the overall growth of the UK economy. According to estimates, engineering contributes £645 billion to the UK economy, highlighting the importance of filling this skills gap.Diversity and InclusionEngaging with a wide range of students through STEM programs helps create a more diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas into the engineering sector. Currently, only16.5%of engineering professionals in the UK are women, but STEM initiatives aim to raise this percentage.Bridging the Gender GapSTEM initiatives encourage underrepresented groups, including women, to explore careers in engineering, helping to close the gender gap in this traditionally male-dominated field. Recent efforts have shown a 30% increase in girls taking A-level STEM subjects in the past decade, demonstrating progress.Enhancing Industry ReputationCompanies that actively support STEM education demonstrate corporate responsibility and leadership, enhancing their reputation within the industry and the wider community. Businesses that invest in future talent often experience stronger brand loyalty and community engagement.By investing in STEM initiatives, engineering companies can secure a bright and innovative future while addressing the skills gap head-on.
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ATA Recruitment have joined forces with DEBP to deliver employability workshop
Direct Education Business Partnership – DEBP– have joined forces with ATA Recruitment and Ganymede Solutions to deliver a Brand Me event with 30 students from Belper School and Sixth Form on Wednesday 17 November 2021 at Derby Conference Centre.The event aims to give students CV writing tips, interview practice and looks at how to use social media to increase skill set and much more!Paul Brumby, Head of Sixth Form at Belper School and Sixth Form said, “We’re delighted to have this excellent opportunity. It will provide students with an invaluable insight into the variety of ways they can present themselves for future employment. The chance to meet face to face with professionals from industry is just the experience they need especially after these difficult times.” Prior to the event, students will attend a virtual CV guidance workshop and be asked to prepare their own CV. On the day itself students will take part in a:Critique session on the CV’s created and how they could be improved.LinkedIn profile building session.Session on what makes a good interview followed by interview preparation.Real interviews with staff from DEBP and Ganymede.Claire Bergmann, STEM Projects Officer said,“It has been fantastic to work with Ganymede / ATA Recruitment to pull this event together. I have worked with Kelly Tallis, an active STEM Ambassador, for the last eight months, and her passion to inspire our future generation is clear to see. Meaningful encounters with employers and the world of work are incredibly important, and many students missed out on these opportunities due to the pandemic. This event is a great opportunity for students to develop their skills and confidence to help prepare them for employment.”Kelly Tallis, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Ganymede and ATA Recruitment said, “It has been a real pleasure working collaboratively with DEBP to create and host the Brand Me event. We are passionate about supporting and engaging with our local communities. Young people have really been impacted during the pandemic and it is great that we can share our recruitment expertise to help students to increase their confidence and skills for their next chapter.”All students will receive a LinkedIn endorsement from Ganymede Solutionsfor the skills they have demonstrated. This not only contributes to the strength of their LinkedIn profiles but increases the likelihood of being discovered for opportunities related to the skills possessed.
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