Wednesday 17th March 2010 09.40 – 13.00

Bringing business together with education, baseLearning was about education and skills in a low-carbon economy. Its focus was on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and the career options that these open for young people, via vocational, technical and academic routes to employment.

Its content connected classroom attainment with careers in today’s sustainable business environment. It aimed to facilitate constructive debate between education and industry that will lead to productive relationships that engage, inspire and prepare young people for working life.

Programme:

09.45 Sir Mike Tomlinson, co-chair, 21st Century Learning Alliance and former government schools advisor
"21st Century skills - are these core learning needs or are schools being asked to take on employers' training?"

10.05 Question time debate: Young people with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and skills will be critical in the shift to a low-carbon economy; yet demand already outstrips supply. What more can business and education do to inspire, engage and equip young learners for the 21st century workplace?

Derek Bell, Head of Education, Wellcome Trust
Ian Duffy, Manager of UK Education Programme, BP
Mark Wakefield, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs Manager, IBM UK
Daniel Norris, Deputy Director of the Centre for Applied Sciences, City and Islington College
Brenda Bigland, Headteacher, Lent Rise Combined School

11.40am baseLearning keynote:
Pen Hadow, Founder Director, Geo Mission Ltd and Survey Director, Catlin Arctic Survey
“The Role of Exploration in Understanding Our Changing World”

12.00pm baseLearning moderated round tables

12.45pm - 13.15pm Inspiring young people to aspire: STEM careers in the 21st century workplace
Kate Bellingham, National STEM Champion, Department for Children, Schools and Families