Women in Stem: UCC x Johnson and Johnson

This week we welcomed Silicon Republic’s latest article announcing the #WiSTEM2D partnership between UCC and Johnson & Johnson and it isn’t just any run of the mill partnership! The aim of the initiative is to encourage more women to pursue STEM disciplines.

What exactly is STEM and why is it so important?

STEM is typically defined as an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through STEM, students develop skills in areas such as problem solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, communication and digital literacy.

The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging every day as a result of technological advances. The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. Recent research indicates a huge for STEM qualifications and will continue to increase into the near future. Currently, 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM skills. We need to start adapting our skills to the changing world as it is said that…

• 50% of current jobs with skills shortages are in STEM fields
• 75% of  all new jobs will require skills in STEM
• 90% of jobs will need digital skills in the next 2 to 5 years
• 58% of students are currently studying for jobs that will radically be changed by automation

Women in STEM- the Future of Work

On 12th October 2019, University College Cork (UCC), in partnership with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), announced that it will be launching its debut Women in STEM programme, WiSTEM2D. The programme aims to encourage young women to pursue careers in areas such as science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) and design. Currently, women comprise only a quarter of the STEM workforce and this ought to change.

Speaking at the launch, director of operations at Janssen Supply Chain Ireland, Liz Dooley, said,

“It builds confidence and belonging, and gives young women the practical and active example of what they can do, while also ensuring they see the variety of careers on offer to them. Where there is underrepresentation of women, there is underrepresentation of diversity of thought and opinion. We want to build a diverse STEM2D community and the next generation of female role models.”

The programme grants support to students studying STEM and manufacturing and design disciplines. Ongoing membership is also provided to female STEM students by J&J. The programme also includes research into the barriers women can face in pursing STEM careers and aims to instill confidence in women in educational environments. The partnership wants to see an end to women feeling isolated in male dominated classes and having a poor perception of their own intelligence when it comes to  technology, maths and science.

By adapting our skills and lifestyles to the Future of Work, we should not be challenged by the changing world. 

Interested in learning more about #SmartWorking and how it can be applied to STEM roles? Click here