A project that offers youngsters exciting opportunities in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in north-west Wales has been launched.

STEM Gogledd is a project part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, offering exciting opportunities for pupils aged 11 to 19 across Gwynedd, Ynys Môn and Conwy to learn more about STEM.

It also aims to inspire and encourage young people to consider the importance of STEM subjects and their relevance to potential future careers.

The launch event was addressed by Kirsty Williams AM, the Welsh Government’s education minister and Gwen Parry Jones, CEO of Magnox.

The education minister, Kirsty Williams, said: “I was really pleased to launch the STEM Gogledd project, which will give up to 600 young people from North Wales additional support and inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“It’s especially important we increase the number of girls who go into STEM-related careers, to give our key industries the skills they need now and into the future.”

Gwen Parry Jones reiterated the minister’s comments in highlighting the need for more girls to enter engineering and technology within the nuclear sector in particular.

STEM Gogledd regional manager, Dyfed Jones, said: “Work has already started in some schools and the feedback so far has been extremely positive and we’re looking forward to getting out to all schools in due course.”

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online now