Jacobs - a new global STEAM strategy

Date: 5 Aug 2021

Creating a diverse workforce by inspiring young people during Covid-19

Jacobs has been an EngineeringUK Corporate Member for over 7 years.

We interviewed Kara Connon, recently appointed the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths) lead for Europe to discuss her ambitious plans for Jacobs’ new global STEAM strategy. 

How Jacobs adapted its outreach during COVID to an award-winning digital programme  

Jacobs uses its outreach programmes to help young people understand how they can apply their learning and the sort of jobs that are available in STEAM. Jacobs programmes include a diverse range of employees so they can connect with young people from a variety of backgrounds. Covid-19 has also provided an opportunity to transition delivery of Jacobs outreach programmes virtually, making new connections with harder to reach young people. Jacobs was awarded ‘Inspirational STEM employer’ by STEM Learning in May 2021 in recognition. 

Delivering the future skills needed 

“EngineeringUK is a key organisation we are very engaged with. Membership keeps us at the forefront of industrywide STEAM educational activity. As part of this strategic alliance, we collaborate with like-minded businesses, sharing knowledge and expertise in a collective drive to inspire, engage and inform the next generation of engineers.” 

“This collaboration is key to investing in and delivering the future skills needed to create a global Britain and address complex issues such as the climate emergency, resilient communities and natural-resource stresses. Collectively raising young people’s aspiration and knowledge of high-skilled STEAM careers and promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality in learning, to deliver social mobility and genuine ‘levelling up’ of the UK economy.” 

Donald Morrison, People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President Europe and Digital Strategies, Jacobs

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