Wednesday 27th May 2026 - 8.15am to 3.30pm
Hosted by ALIenergy in partnership with Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh
Wednesday, 27 May 2026 | 8:15am – 3:30pm
We are pleased to share that ALIenergy, in partnership with Hermitage Academy, will once again deliver the STEM Fest careers event, this year taking place in Helensburgh on 4 June 2026. Given the breadth of Council STEM related roles, this is an important opportunity for our services to get involved, showcase our work, and help inspire future talent across Argyll and Bute.
What is STEM and why does it matter?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and plays a crucial role in shaping Scotland’s future workforce and pupil subject choices e.g. in a recent Skills Development Scotland (SDS) survey, over half of S1-S3 pupils feel that STEM subjects are important to their future careers.
Schools across the country continue to focus on STEM to:
- strengthen learning and participation
- equip young people with the skills needed for a rapidly changing labour market
- spark early interest in essential, high‑growth sectors
ALIenergy, a local energy agency and charity support national aims by delivering engaging, hands‑on STEM school events across Argyll and Bute. Their recent event in Campbeltown received excellent feedback and strong pupil engagement. The forthcoming Helensburgh event is will build on that success, and Argyll and Bute Council has been invited to take part.
Wednesday 4th June 2026 - 8.15am to 3.30pm
Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2026
Time: 8:15am – 3:30pm
Audience: Approximately 230 S2 pupils
Catering: Lunch and refreshments provided
This Hermitage event will run like a marketplace, with different stalls for pupils to visit and discuss STEM careers, tools, technologies, and career pathways with participating organisations. Alongside this, pupils will rotate through a series of interactive workshops, giving them hands‑on experiences with real‑world applications of STEM.
This approach helps young people:
- explore potential career paths
- understand different routes into sectors and employment
- interact directly with Council professionals
- take part in engaging, practical activities
What we need from services
Argyll and Bute Council will host its own marketplace stall and we want it to be engaging, memorable, and interactive. We are asking services to attend for part or all of the day and support by contributing:
- Props, tools, or equipment that demonstrate aspects of their work
- Photographs or visual displays to bring roles and projects to life
- Mini activities, demonstrations, or challenges
- Objects or materials pupils can safely handle and interact with
We are also looking for teams who can deliver a short, interactive workshop session. These sessions are consistently a hit with students and offer a powerful way to show what our Council teams do behind the scenes.
If your team can offer a workshop, further guidance and resources will be provided.
Why Participate? – Benefits for Services, the Council, and Young People
For Council Services
- Showcase real projects and innovation happening across Argyll and Bute
- Raise the profile of STEM‑related roles within the Council
- Spark early interest in potential future talent
- Strengthen community and school engagement
For Pupils
- Gain hands‑on experience with real tools, technologies, and ideas
- Discover future learning and career pathways
- Engage with professionals who can spark curiosity and confidence
- Understand how STEM connects to their everyday world
For Argyll and Bute Council as a whole
- Demonstrates our commitment to local education and opportunities
- Supports the region’s skills development priorities
- Strengthens partnership working with schools and ALIenergy
- Helps bridge the gap between local government and young people
How to get involved
If you or colleagues within your service would like to take part:
Please contact Felicity Conway as soon as possible
I’ll share the online booking form and any additional information you need.
Please also feel free to forward this invitation within your teams. Any service with STEM‑linked activity, projects, or equipment is welcome to participate in the event.