SYMCA BRINGS HANDS-ON STEM LEARNING TO SCHOOLS IN ROTHERHAM AND SHEFFIELD

Published 24 March 2026 at 9:54am

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is proud to announce a new partnership with educational charity EDT - providing £45,000 of funding to support continued engagement with schools across Rotherham and Sheffield.

This collaboration will enable EDT and its Industrial Cadets programme to build on long-standing relationships with schools in South Yorkshire, offering students valuable opportunities to develop practical STEM skills and gain insight into future careers in industry.

Over the next 12–14 weeks, teams of students from Wath Academy, Sheffield High School for Girls, Stocksbridge High School, High Storrs School and St Bernard’s Catholic High School will take part in the Industrial Cadets Bronze Project. Working together on sustainability-focused challenges, students will collaborate with industry mentors while developing key skills such as project management, teamwork, and communication.

At the end of the programme, students will present their work to a panel of industry assessors during a celebration and assessment event at Sheffield Hallam University in June.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire should be a place where everyone can stay near and go far - where every young person gets the chance to really shine.

“I’m really excited we’re supporting EDT and the fantastic work they’re doing in our schools, alongside brilliant partners from businesses right across South Yorkshire.

“By working together, our young people will have the skills and confidence to grasp the opportunities out there - helping shape an even bigger, better future for our region.”

Julie Feest, CEO of EDT and Industrial Cadets, commented: “We are delighted to partner with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to continue delivering impactful STEM experiences for young people in the region. Industrial Cadets give students the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and industry connections that can shape their future careers. By working with local schools and employers, we are helping young people see the exciting possibilities available to them in the STEM industry.”

As part of the partnership, students will also participate in an interactive Carbon Capture workshop, where they will engage in hands-on STEM activities designed to explore climate solutions and the role of engineering and technology in addressing environmental challenges.

Students will be supported throughout the programme by colleagues from industry employers across the region, helping them connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

The SYMCA funding is part of our Investment Zone skills support for key South Yorkshire industries.

For more information on EDT and Industrial Cadets, visit www.etrust.org.uk