The importance of STEM to Bradford’s future and fortunes will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

Councillor Angela Tait (Lab, Royds) will put forward a motion at City Hall to shine a light on the opportunities STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - can give to young people.

It’s a cause close to Cllr Tait’s heart as she began her career at chemical company Allied Colloids, now BASF, in Low Moor.

Cllr Tait says she hasn’t looked back since and is now passionate about encouraging young people to pursue those skills.

Her motion calls for a councillor to become a ‘STEM Champion’ to identify new opportunities for young people and businesses.

She said: “It’s really important - we want our Bradford-born children to aim high but realise there are jobs in these industries.

“We want homegrown talent for future generations.

“We want them to be able to get good jobs and boost the economy in Bradford and keep the skills we have got.”

The motion asks the Council to recognise how demand for qualified workers to fill STEM jobs is growing and that STEM knowledge and skills can be supported and developed outside formal education.

The STEM champion would work with the West Yorkshire STEM Ambassador Hub to encourage more people to sign up as ambassadors who volunteer to inspire the next generation in schools across Bradford.

It would also work with the Council’s public, private and voluntary sector partners to build support for STEM, including building links between businesses and schools and encourage good practice in the district to be shared.

Nick Garthwaite, Bradford Chamber President and Managing Director of Christeyns chemical company, welcomed the motion.

He said: “Given that I’m in manufacturing, it’s a topic that’s close to my heart anyway, but we also know, from speaking to lots of businesses, that they want pupils to be more interested in this area, and for job applicants to be adept in STEM.

“Bradford is committed to being a Producer City and so, while ever that remains the case, we need to inspire the next generation to explore working in manufacturing, technology and science. As the older skilled workers in these sectors move closer to retirement, there will be – there are – gaps to fill.”