1. An increased number and range of employers providing experiential learning for STEM students through placements and employer-defined collaborative projects;
2. The extension of the range of ways in which employer engagement is embedded within the undergraduate curriculum, including the inclusion of employer-defined collaborative projects within a wider range of STEM departments and programmes of study;
3. The enhanced employability of STEM students through involvement in ‘real world’ experiential learning opportunities, and their increased awareness of the employability skills that they develop;
4. An increased provision of specialist support for disabled students accessing placements.

Outputs

1. The development and implementation of a model of “Industrial Study Group” employer-led problem-based learning that is embedded within the curriculum for undergraduate students across several STEM disciplines;
2. The development of effective institution-wide mechanisms to evaluate placements;
3. The development of specific skills training for students applying for placements;
4. The development of innovative online mechanisms to support students whilst on placement and on their return to university;
5. The identification, development and trialling of effective practice in supporting STEM students with disabilities (particularly autism spectrum disorders) to access placement opportunities and to be supported appropriately throughout such placements, and the production of effective practice guidelines in this field;
6. Printed and online resources produced for employers that promote the range of ways in which they can provide experiential learning opportunities to STEM students, and the benefits for them in doing so. This would include a “STEM employers” website providing guidance to employers on the benefits and practicalities of providing placements and projects to STEM students, as well as case studies, “success story” scenarios, and video clips describing the experience from the point of view of students, employers and academics.