Embedding Careers Learning in Primary Science Education

CPD training sessions for educators

Even young children can talk about their future career aspirations. NUSTEM research has shown that these aspirations are often gendered. Teachers can help to counter stereotypes about careers and support children with their career aspirations.

In primary school career-related learning is about broadening children’s aspirations, helping them think about future pathways, and develop their understanding of the attributes and skills that they might need to develop to do different jobs.

NUSTEM has developed evidence-based training and resources which allow teachers and primary schools to embed career-related learning in primary science.

What does the training involve?

There are three training sessions which explore research based approaches to embedding career-related learning in primary science teaching. There are also optional ‘gap tasks’ between each session to support implementation.

Session 1: Exploring the potential impact of schools and teachers on career choices

By the end of session 1 you will:

    • know why introducing career-related learning from an early age is important​
    • be able to describe patterns of subject and career choice in children and young people​
    • be aware of potential impacts of unconscious bias in primary education

Session 2: Representation and role models

By the end of session 2 you will:

    • Understand the development of children’s career aspirations as they grow​
    • Consider how the use of role models can provide children with tangible examples of future possibilities​
    • Be familiar with ways to include role models in your classroom

Session 3: Science identity and attributes

By the end of session 3 you will:

    • Understand some of the stereotypes children have about scientists and other people who work in STEM​
    • describe some of the attributes that people who work in STEM think are important for them​
    • Have considered the use of attributes to support children’s science identity

The training is suitable for classroom teachers and primary science coordinators. The resources shared in the training are suitable for use across the full primary age range.

The three sessions are spread over 2 terms and each session will be repeated twice.

All sessions run from 4pm to 5pm.

Session dates and bookings

Simply click on the dates below to book and your place on the different sessions.

Session 1 dates:

Tuesday 17th November 2026
Thursday 26th November 2026

Session 2 dates:

Tuesday 12th January 2027
Thursday 14th January 2027

Session 3 dates:

Tuesday 2nd March 2027
Thursday 4th March 2027

Once registered please follow the instruction on the email provided during the registration process.

Sessions will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams Town hall meetings.

For a better experience we recommend accessing the meetings from a laptop/desktop with a camera and microphone.

If you have any queries contact NUSTEM on NUSTEM@northumbria.ac.uk

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