Lancashire Careers Hub’s STEM Symposium at Blackpool Zoo

Overview

Lancashire Careers Hub’s STEM Symposium brought together education and industry to strengthen curriculum‑linked careers engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Hosted at Blackpool Zoo, the event welcomed over 20 teachers alongside representatives from 18 businesses representing a diverse range of STEM sectors, creating a vibrant environment for collaboration, learning and inspiration.

The symposium showcased how unique venues and employer partnerships can enhance careers education and support meaningful encounters between schools and the world of work.

Objectives

• To connect teachers with STEM employers and role models
• To share practical ideas for curriculum‑linked careers engagement
• To highlight the value of real‑world STEM applications
• To strengthen relationships between schools and local and national employers

Keynote Speakers

The event featured a strong line‑up of keynote speakers who shared personal journeys, sector insights and opportunities for young people:

• Nicola Roberts – Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub
• Ellie Coxhead – Leyland Trucks
• Karen and Helen – Westinghouse / Women in Nuclear
• Harry and Kristian – Blackpool Zoo representatives

The speakers provided real‑life examples of STEM careers, highlighted progression routes, and challenged misconceptions about STEM roles, particularly around gender representation and emerging industries.

Event Highlights

Employer Marketplace & Networking
Teachers engaged directly with employer representatives through a dedicated marketplace and structured networking opportunities. These conversations focused on:

• Workplace insights and sector pathways
• Opportunities for school‑employer engagement
• Supporting Gatsby Benchmarks through meaningful encounters

Zoo Tours and Curriculum Engagement
Guided zoo tours allowed attendees to explore how Blackpool Zoo integrates STEM across animal care, conservation, sustainability, engineering and data management. These sessions generated practical ideas for linking curriculum content to live industry contexts.

School Engagement Ideas

Employers and zoo staff shared examples of:

• Curriculum‑aligned workshops
• Student visits and virtual encounters
• Employer‑led challenges and project ideas

Impact and Feedback

Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with teachers highlighting:

• The value of meeting multiple employers in one setting
• Increased confidence in embedding careers education into STEM lessons
• Practical takeaways that could be implemented immediately in schools

Employers also reported strong engagement and a clearer understanding of how their organisations can support schools more effectively.

Outcomes

• Strengthened partnerships between education and industry
• Increased awareness of STEM career pathways
• New opportunities identified for ongoing school‑employer collaboration
• A replicable model for future sector‑focused careers events

Conclusion

The Blackpool Zoo STEM Symposium demonstrated the power of bringing education and employers together in inspiring, non‑traditional learning environments. By combining keynote talks, meaningful networking and curriculum‑linked experiences, the event successfully supported teachers and employers to work collaboratively in preparing young people for future STEM careers.