Sources of Information

Making young people aware of the career opportunities open to them is the number one priority for many organisations.

The Science Council, funded by the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) are currently working on creating resources, including a website, which will become a main source of information on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers.

STEMNET, and the local SETPOINTs it funds, also have a key role to play in providing information on careers through Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs). SEAs are recruited from industry to go out into schools to support the science curriculum and to provide information on their own roles.

Professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics and the biological organisations that make up the Biosciences Federation, also have a major role to play in promoting careers within their area. These organisations often attend UCAS career fairs to talk to students about their Higher Education choices; the Royal Society of Chemistry also has a membership scheme for Year 12 and 13 students (www.rsc.org/chemnet)

Science based industry also has a part to play. Several Sector Skills Councils have specific areas of science within their remit. SEMTA is the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Cogent represents the chemical industry, and Lantra the land based sector. Each is able to provide some information on careers, and are developing additional resource materials.

For careers in the pharmaceutical industry, ABPI works with pharmaceutical companies to reinforce and extend the information individual companies provide. Through this site you can link to the websites of a large number of pharmaceutical companies, contract research organisations and specialist recruitment agencies to obtain information on different careers, what each can offer and to look for job opportunities.

Science: Opportunities in HE and Beyond - Event for School Careers Advisors (London)

Organised by the RSC, ABPI are supporting an event in June for science teachers (and career advisors). This event is free of charge for attendees and will give you the oppurtunity to:

• Meet employers, admissions tutors and representatives from all the sciences
• Take home high quality careers resources (including DVDs and posters) for use in the classroom, at key decision points or with parents at open days
• Find out how to access up to the minute information on the labour market and material for careers modules
• Provide evidence for an NVQ or other qualification in Advice and Guidance     

When and where?

9 June 2008: The Wellcome Collection Conference Centre, Euston, London

Who should attend?

Year heads, sixth form tutors, head of careers, PSHE or science teachers, librarians, careers advisors, connexions staff and work based learning coordinators.

How can I register for this event?

Download and fill in the Booking Form (by 26 May 2008). Here, you will also find further details such as the programme and workshop information:

Booking Form for Science: Opportunities in HE and beyond (London) Event