By Kehinde Bamidele
The UK’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors face a well-documented talent shortage. According to the UK Parliament Post (2023), the UK will require over 800,000 additional STEM professionals by 2030 to meet economic demands. While this challenge is significant, mentoring is one of the most effective tools for addressing it.
The Institute of Directors (IoD, 2024) defines mentoring as a collaborative relationship in which a more experienced individual provides support and acts as a role model to help another develop professionally, academically, or personally. Similarly, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD, 2024) describes mentoring as “support from an experienced colleague who shares their knowledge to help someone with less experience develop and grow.”
In the early stages of my career, I found it difficult to picture myself achieving the level of professional success I aspired to. It all seemed distant until I connected with mentors and role models from similar backgrounds. Seeing others break barriers made my ambitions feel real and achievable. This visibility gave me the confidence to set high goals and the motivation to surpass them.
Over the years, I have committed to mentoring others in the same spirit that helped shape my own journey. My mentoring contributions include:
- Mentoring law students through the GROW Mentoring programme, which connects legal professionals with aspiring lawyers globally.
- Delivering career presentations to primary school children (ages 7–11) through STEM Learning UK and ARK Globe Academy, introducing them to the possibilities of STEM careers.
- Mentoring university students on job search strategies and CV preparation.
- Conducting mock interviews for recent university graduates, helping build their interview skills and confidence.
Benefits of Mentoring in STEM
According to the National Careers Service (n.d.), mentoring helps individuals:
- Build relevant skills and confidence
- Learn from real-world career journeys
- Develop professional networks
- Explore job opportunities more effectively
- Clarify their career goals and motivations
- Gain insight into the realities of their chosen profession
Mentors also benefit. The University of Southampton (n.d.) noted that mentors can experience:
- Personal fulfilment through social impact
- Improved leadership, coaching and communication skills
- Increased motivation
- Opportunities for networking and learning from mentees
Prominent UK STEM Mentoring Organisations
If you are looking to become a mentor or find one, here are some established platforms and organisations in the UK:
Government & National Programmes
- STEM Learning UK – STEM Ambassadors Programme: Supported by the Department for Education, this network connects STEM professionals with schools and community groups.
- WISE (Women in Science and Engineering): Offers mentorship, resources and networking to support women in STEM.
- UKRI (UK Research and Innovation): Provides early-career mentoring and development for researchers across scientific disciplines.
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET): Offers professional mentoring schemes, particularly for engineers pursuing chartered status.
Corporate and Industry-led Programmes
- BT Group – Work Ready and Tech Skills Programmes: Includes mentoring for young people entering digital and STEM-related careers.
- Siemens Education Programme: Engages young learners in STEM with mentorship, online tools, and school partnerships.
- PwC – Tech She Can: A cross-industry initiative designed to help girls and young women explore careers in technology.
Non-Profit & Diversity-Focused Programmes
- STEMettes: Aimed at girls, young women and non-binary people interested in STEM, offering mentoring, events and leadership opportunities.
- AFBE-UK (Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers): Provides mentoring and career programmes such as “Making Engineering Hot.”
- FLISS (Female Leaders in STEM Subjects): A platform supporting female leadership across STEM disciplines.
- IntoUniversity: Supports young people from underrepresented communities with mentoring, academic support, and career guidance.
Additional Pathways
- Higher education institutions often run alumni or peer-led mentoring schemes.
- Schools and community groups regularly welcome external STEM professionals through platforms like STEM Learning.
- Self-initiated mentoring programmes are also impactful, though safeguarding protocols must be followed for under-18s.
Why Early and Inclusive Mentoring Matters
The British Science Association (2023) highlights that children begin to form career aspirations as early as age 7, yet many never consider STEM careers due to a lack of exposure and relatable role models.
As a result, outreach to primary school pupils, low-income families, ethnic minorities, and neurodiverse learners is crucial. These are the communities most often left behind, not because of a lack of ability, but because of a lack of access. Through mentoring, we can help these individuals visualise their potential, navigate career paths, and gain the confidence to thrive.
Whether you are in STEM or another professional field, you can make a difference by:
- Becoming a mentor through an established platform
- Sharing your story with young audiences
- Supporting students with job readiness
- Starting your own initiative (with safeguarding, where applicable)
By mentoring, you do not just shape futures, you strengthen the UK’s innovation economy and its diverse talent pipeline.
References
Institute of Directors. (2024). Mentoring Factsheet.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. (2024). Mentoring at Work.
National Careers Service. (n.d.). Support and Mentoring Advice.
University of Southampton. (n.d.). Benefits of Mentoring.
UK Parliament POST. (2023). POSTnote 694: STEM Education and Skills.
British Science Association. (2023). STEM Aspirations and Role Models Report.
STEM Learning. (n.d.). STEM Ambassadors Programme.
WISE Campaign. (n.d.). Women in STEM Initiatives.
UKRI. (n.d.). Talent and Skills Programmes.
BT Group. (n.d.). Digital Skills and Mentoring.
Siemens Education. (n.d.). STEM Education Resources.
Tech She Can. (n.d.). Empowering Girls in Tech.
STEMettes. (n.d.). Events and Mentoring.
AFBE-UK. (n.d.). Diversity and Engineering Programmes.
IntoUniversity. (n.d.). Mentoring and Outreach Support.