Life Lab is a careers resource for 14-19 year olds which uses case studies of Oxfordshire people and employers with backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), to show the breadth and variety of jobs and careers available to people who take these subjects post -16.

The site aims:

• To encourage young people to consider studying STEM subjects beyond 16
• To raise awareness of the opportunities that studying STEM subjects presents by showcasing a breadth of careers paths followed by Oxfordshire people
• To showcase Oxfordshire companies employing STEM trained staff

How to use the site

For students - get on in and have a look! Simply use the links to follow paths that might interest you. You may find that some people are in more than one category; this is because the skills that you gain from studying STEM subjects at school are used in a variety of ways in a wide range of jobs.

For teachers - there are a number of ways you can make use of the website:

• Pass on the link to students making decisions on subjects to study post 16 for their own perusal
• Create a class activity
• Use one of our activities
• Use it as a tool to build your own knowledge of the types of career paths, and STEM roles available, especially in Oxfordshire

Further Information

Science Oxford holds the STEM Brokerage and STEM Ambassador contracts for STEMNET [www.stemnet.org.uk]. This means we are the first port of call for teachers in Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, looking for enrichment and engagement activities to do with STEM subjects.

If you would like to have someone similar to those showcased on the life lab website, come and give a talk in your school, please do not hesitate to get in contact with our STEM Ambassadors manager - natasha.verniquet@scienceoxford.com

Background

This site was developed by Science Oxford Next with support from the Oxfordshire Independent/State School Partnership. Science Oxford is currently looking for local partnership funding to develop the site further - adding content, resources and increase the breadth of roles and companies represented. The Life Lab project is a locally focused initiative aligned to the National STEM Careers Campaign.