This June between 8,000 to 10,000 students and their teachers attended The Big Bang Fair South East at the South of England Show Ground. The events gold sponsor was Crawley Borough Council and The University of Brighton facilitated the event. Crawley is a prominent economic hub near to Gatwick Airport.  

They enjoyed a day of exciting and fun-filled shows, interactive displays and hands-on workshops all aimed at inspiring them to consider the varied opportunities and careers that studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects can open up to them.

Mark Rowe and Adrian Ryan from unionlearn joined with Unite the union to engage with young people advising them of how unions support apprenticeships and offering advice on their employment rights as young workers. The joint stall was very popular and surrounded by pupils all day.

Mark said:

The event for us was a success as it provided us with an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of children from 9 to 19. We were able to discuss with them issues like employment rights, career opportunities and apprenticeships. We were also able to demonstrate that unions are powerful advocates of learning and that we can support young people once they enter the world of work.”

Around two thirds of those attending were girls, possibly highlighting the growing interest in STEM skills amongst females.

Unite representatives from their “Unite in the Community” unit did a great job in providing a low tech interactive game on the question “As a citizen what is important to you”?  During the day there was a constant queue for this activity. A free NHS and free education were top of the list on the day, closely followed by build more houses. All three of these sectors are heavily dependent on STEM Skills.

The union stall also proved popular with teachers as Mark pointed out:

To the astonishment of teachers we also engaged with over 75 children who took our math level 2 test and we will shortly collate the results and link them to the maths test we offered at the Birmingham Big Bang. Again those taking the test were mostly girls, our perception is that when girls are asked they are far more likely to take the test whilst boys are more reluctant.”

Though the main focus of the day was the students, there were other benefits, included networking.  Unionlearn and Unite engaged a number of school teachers who were interested in unions going into their particular school.  Unite will follow those requests up in the coming months ahead. The visits will include  discussion a on what work looks like and the importance of considering apprenticeships.

They also distributed the trade union diversity and equality game on the basis that the teachers contacted us for follow up.  All 30 games were distributed.

Mark is pleased that the day will lead to increased partnership working with employers and said:

After a short discussion with the Deputy Mayor of Crawley Unionlearn were invited to meet him to discuss supporting young people and apprenticeships through the 'Creating a successful Crawley' plan. Brighton and Sussex University Hospital also approached us with a view to discussing the impacts of the Apprenticeship levy and taking on apprenticeships and working with the trade unions."

In addition Unite will review those stall holders from STEM Companies with a view to approaching those where they have recognition agreements. This would be to build awareness with representatives on how unions can support young people, ensure discussion on quality apprenticeships takes place and ensure that unions are at the heart of progressing the chosen career paths of those young people who enter the workplace.