National Engineering Day: 3M Furthers the Future of STEM

Today is National Engineering day in the UK, a day to reflect on the progress and challenges of engineering as a field and come together to devise new ways to get future generations engaged with STEM.

According to Gov UK, there has been unprecedented growth in UK students opting to take STEM subjects such as Engineering, with a 400% increase in acceptances for students wishing to go on to study Artificial Intelligence courses at university.

The number of women in STEM has notably increased too, with the number of women in the UK working in the field increasing to 216,552 since 2016, meaning women now make up 24% of the STEM workforce. 

While this progress is commendable, more can definitely be done, especially in the manufacturing sector.

This industry depends on the work of talented engineers, and making the field a more diverse and dynamic place benefits everyone across the value chain. 

With this in mind, manufacturers can learn from global leaders like 3M on how to best nurture the future of engineering and STEM.

3M: Supporting STEM Careers

3M is a global science-based company known for its innovation across a diversity of industries, including manufacturing. 

With this background, 3M intimately understand the importance of enhancing STEM education and boosting participation and innovation across engineering. 

To do this 3M has developed a wealth of initiatives, aimed at inspiring students and empowering all groups to pursue a career in the field.

One such initiative is 3M's creation of educational outreach programmes, where they work partner with non-profit organisations and educational institutions to invest in resources, training and the next generation of STEM learners. 

This investment results in interactive science kits, digital learning platforms and hands-on workshops. 

A prominent example is 3M's Young Scientist Challenge, a nationwide competition for students in grades 5-8 which challenges them to develop their own solutions to real-world problems whilst being mentored by 3M ambassadors and scientists.

This challenge built these learners confidence and problem-solving skills, highlighting the scientific potential of the next generation.

3M STEM Ambassadors also last year visited primary schools across the UK, delivering their Visiting Wizards workshops.

These interactive workshops, devised to inspire future love and passion for science, were led during British Science Week 2023. They introduced primary school pupils to topics like engineering and forensic science, teaching them the principles of observation and experimenting with DNA and fingerprint analysis.

3M also through its philanthropic arm the 3M Foundation funds STEM grants for local programmes and schools, with a strong focus on uplifting marginalised communities.

The foundation also invests in teacher training and curriculum development to ensure educators have the tools they need to guide future engineers.

Through these efforts manufacturer is helping to bridge educational gaps and providing vital opportunities in STEM. 

Opportunities which more and more girls and women are getting involved in as well, thanks to changing cultural attitudes and the work of manufacturers like 3M.

Championing women in engineering

3M has also taken specific measures to encourage greater numbers of girls and women to enter the STEM ecosystem. 

Collaborating with organisations such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Girls Who Code, 3M is helping to provide targeted scholarships, mentorship and networking opportunities. 

These opportunities help break down the barriers that deter young women from entering engineering, fostering a supportive community and changing attitudes and assumptions. 

3M has it's own workforce of influential women, scientists and engineers who serve as role models and ambassadors for the company's commitment to gender equity. 

These women have experienced the internal mentorship programmes and leadership training that 3M has as well, helping them better advance in their careers and receive recognition for their talent and accomplishments.

The company also supports family-friendly policies and flexible work arrangements that address the challenges women predominately face when balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

“Despite the ongoing difficulty we face in closing the skills gap and encouraging more young people, especially girls, into STEM, National Engineering Day offers a much-needed opportunity to celebrate the impact of engineering and inspire the next generation," says Sarah Chapman, 3M Senior Technical Manager and Women in STEM Ambassador.

"By showcasing diverse role models and breaking down stereotypes, we can show that STEM is accessible to everyone – creating a future workforce that’s innovative, inclusive and ready for tomorrow’s challenges.” 

Ultimately, 3M is taking a multi-faceted approach to supporting women in engineering and promoting STEM education, reflecting the company's belief that diversity drives innovation.

As we celebrate National Engineering Day, let's also acknowledge the incredible work that has been done by companies like 3M to create more future engineers who are passionate, engaged and educated on the possibilities of science.

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