Funding boost for STEM subjects

More people in Renfrewshire could be tempted to train as STEM teachers after it was announced a £20,000 bursary scheme is to continue.

The STEM bursary scheme encourages more people to train to become school teachers in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computing Science, Technical Education and Home Economics.

These are the secondary school STEM subjects with the greatest demand for teachers, and 150 bursaries will once again be available for career changers to apply for the £20,000 bursary in the next academic year while studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Skills Development Scotland will open the bursary scheme for applications on April 5, 2021.

Education Secretary John Swinney said:“The success of the scheme demonstrates that teaching is recognised as an attractive profession and I am pleased that we will once again be providing bursaries of £20,000 to career changers to support teacher training in certain STEM subjects where demand is at its greatest.

“A total of 150 bursaries were awarded during the 2020/21 scheme. Those that decide to apply for the bursaries will step into a rewarding and exciting new career.”

He added:“We need fresh talent that can share their passion and wealth of expertise with young people. STEM is an integral part of our future economic and social development, and education, training and lifelong learning have a critical role to play in enthusing and encouraging everyone to build a strong base of STEM skills and knowledge.”