Unlock Your Future: How 280 Students Explored Cutting-Edge STEM Careers at Franklin College's Exclusive Conference

Franklin Sixth Form College has successfully hosted its annual STEM conference, now in its seventh year, bringing together 280 students from 19 schools across the region. This event stands as the only STEM conference in the area, designed to enhance students' education and inspire them in their chosen subjects while providing valuable insights into employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Interactive Workshops with Leading Employers and Universities

Students participated in over 30 interactive workshops led by prominent employers and universities, including:

• Sheffield Hallam University
• Lincoln University
• University Centre Grimsby
• UCNL
• CATCH
• BAE
• RWE
• Ørsted
• ORE Catapult

These sessions offered hands-on experiences and direct connections to industry leaders.

Focus on Green Industries and Future Careers

Associate Principal Emma Swinburn emphasized the event's goals: "We’re extremely proud to host our STEM and Progression Event for our own students and young people from across the region. This year, we’ve welcomed more than 280 students from 19 schools to the STEM Conference, along with over 600 attendees at our Progression Evening. It's fantastic to see so many of our partners here, sharing their advice, guidance, and knowledge, and giving students a real insight into careers in STEM and the range of opportunities available to them."

With support from the Our Future Starts Here project, this year's conference placed a strong focus on green industries. Swinburn added, "We want young people to feel inspired and excited about their future careers, having explored green skills, the pathways available to them, and by connecting with organisations leading the way in this important and rapidly growing sector."

Participating Schools and Extended Opportunities

Schools involved included John Spendluffe Technology College, Waltham Tollbar Academy, John Whitgift Academy, Cleethorpes Academy, Oasis Academy Wintringham, Oasis Academy Immingham, St James School, Humberston Academy, Havelock Academy, Louth Academy, Ormiston Maritime Academy, Beacon Academy, Engineering UTC, Healing Academy, Outwood Academy Brumby, Caistor Yarborough, Winterton Community Academy, South Axholme Academy, and Somercotes Academy, alongside Franklin students.

Following the conference, students and parents were invited to the Annual Careers & Progression Evening, featuring over 90 employers, apprenticeship providers, and universities. Highlights included informative talks on student finance, the benefits of Russell Group universities, careers in law, and apprenticeships.

For more information on available STEM courses, visit the Franklin College website.