The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) continued its work to interest more youths in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with the recent staging of the third “Classroom to Real World” mentorship workshop. 

The initiative carried out in collaboration with the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) and the Scientific Research Council (SRC), creates a platform for secondary and tertiary STEM students to connect with and learn from respected professionals as they begin their journeys in STEM.

During his welcome remarks, Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology, Daryl Vaz emphasised the importance of growing Jamaica’s STEM sector as part of the country’s overall development agenda. 

GROUND BROKEN FOR FIRST ACADEMY IN OCTOBER 2022

Minister Vaz noted: “I am proud to see the Ministry’s continued efforts to provide this much-needed mentorship for male and female students from universities and high schools across Jamaica. Exposure to these fields encourages students to pursue higher education, whether in these fields or others, allowing them to dream big and explore opportunities and possibilities.”

The Ministry’s STEM workshop comes against the backdrop of the Government’s plans to expand STEM education on a national level. In this regard, the GOJ has committed to constructing six specialised STEAM academies. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, broke ground for the first academy, located in Bernard Lodge, St Catherine, in October 2022.

Highlighting the Ministry’s continuous efforts to encourage an interest in STEM among youth, Principal Director of Science at the MSET, Dr Natwaine Gardner, said, “in addition to the STEM workshop, we want to popularise science on a national level. This will increase interest and innovation within the research and development sphere, stimulate creative curiosity, and spur innovation”.

Gardner continued: “The aim is to show that science is fundamental and underpins every facet of our daily lives. The sooner we recognise and embrace it, the sooner we can move towards the primary goal of our 2030 vision, achieving socio-economic growth and development. With that comes the creation of new jobs, new ideas, and increased innovation, which we hope to gain from these STEM workshops.”

The STEM workshop initiative is one of the many derived from MSET policies tabled in Parliament earlier this year. 

Commenting on the success of the previous workshop sessions, NCST Executive Director Dr Olive-Jean Burrowes said, “Students from the various universities have raised a lot of relevant and thought-provoking questions. Many students want to know more about specific areas, including agriculture. This workshop has stimulated interest in science education, in STEM subjects, and we hope students will spread the news.”

Dr Adrian Spence of the International Centre for the Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) at UWI, Mona, asserted, “We are trying to impart knowledge to budding scientists about the possible career choices that exist outside of the traditional areas of work.” With everything, there is an evolution. Some of the jobs previously at the forefront of science have shifted, and there are new and exciting areas based on some of the opportunities and challenges”.