Verity Magee, Kier Group’s social sustainability manager, shares why STEM skills are pivotal in attracting new talent into the construction industry.
"As we gear up to celebrate National STEM Awareness Day, it’s the perfect time to spotlight just how essential Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are in shaping the industries of tomorrow.
For construction, it’s vital.
It’s about more than just numbers and blueprints—STEM is the heartbeat of innovation, driving the industry to be smarter, safer, stronger and more sustainable."
In our last financial year, Kier's STEM ambassadors have clocked up:-
7,871
volunteering hours
23,928
students engaged with across the UK.
Addressing the construction skills’ gap
The UK Trade Skills Index has painted a challenging picture for the future of construction.
By 2032, the sector will require 937,000 new recruits to address the growing skills’ gap. This 'missing million' presents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity; one that STEM skills, and career paths, can help address.
STEM learning, starting at a young age, builds the critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills necessary for success in construction.
One of the most impactful ways to encourage an interest in STEM and construction is through hands-on experiences led by our dedicated STEM ambassadors.
At Kier, we have over 140 ambassadors, each playing a crucial role in engaging students with STEM subjects through school visits, workshops, real-world projects, and engineering challenges. These ambassadors help bring STEM to life, showing young people the exciting opportunities within the construction industry, sparking an interest that could lead to a fulfilling career.
In our last financial year, Kier’s STEM ambassadors clocked up 7,871 volunteering hours, engaging 23,928 students across the UK. The impact of this work is significant: 94% of students reported an increase in their enthusiasm for STEM, and 93% stated they were more aware that STEM careers are accessible to everyone. This work doesn’t just inspire students - it creates a future pipeline of talent. After completing several school STEM sessions at Fulham Cross Sixth Form, one student’s passion and motivation for the construction industry stood out to Kier colleagues and they were invited to participate in a work experience placement our Kier Places business at Verulam House, a residence which we service as part of our work with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Kier Places provides building, construction, and property management solutions for places where people live and work. After the placement, this individual then went on apply for the Kier Degree Apprenticeship:
“I am very grateful that I have been given this opportunity to attend this week’s work experience at Verulam House.
“This has allowed me to see how the site manager, Raye Araba, operates on a daily basis at the site and how to deal under pressure. This has inspired me to continue aiming to become a site manager and I would really recommend other students to attend.”
Oussama, Fulham Cross, Year 13 Student.
The benefits of being a STEM ambassador
We actively encourage our colleagues to sign up as ambassadors and offer a range of resources and support to help them succeed. Being a STEM ambassador offers an opportunity for personal development, while also contributing to social mobility within the communities where we operate.
I'm part of the network of STEM ambassadors, and what I see from so many of my colleagues is pride in providing practical guidance, and showing the fulfilling roles you can have within construction with a STEM-based education. One colleague summarised it brilliantly for me:
“It’s incredibly rewarding, and I’ve gained invaluable skills, met inspiring people, and had the chance to make a real difference by encouraging young people to explore STEM."
Ryan Keyte, Kier Design Solutions, Design Team Leader, Transportation
Kierriculum: A comprehensive STEM resource
Kier’s commitment to STEM extends beyond our ambassador programmes. Through our Kierriculum lesson plan, we offer nearly 30 resources spanning 11 curriculum topics for schools to deliver, from early years to college. These resources help educators and Kier colleagues bring STEM concepts into the classroom, giving students a deeper understanding of how these subjects apply in the real world and the construction industry.
We are not only celebrating the incredible contributions of our STEM ambassadors, but we’re also rolling up our sleeves to ensure the future of the industry is driven by innovation and inclusion. By encouraging hands-on learning experiences, we are not just teaching technical skills but also breaking down long-held misconceptions about STEM and the construction industry. This practical, approach allows young people to see the tangible impact of STEM in construction, helping to change perceptions and open the doors to a more diverse and forward-thinking workforce.
By supporting students at every educational level, we are nurturing the next generation of construction professionals and equipping them with the skills they need to thrive.
Building a sustainable future
The future of construction depends on a workforce that is skilled, innovative, and adaptable.
Through the dedication of our STEM ambassadors and the comprehensive resources available to educators, we are inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.