Columnist

£100,000 milestone drives forward STEM work

As we approach our annual awards dinner, it will give me the greatest of pleasure to inform our members and guests that we have reached a tremendous milestone. 

Thanks to the generosity of so many companies in the automotive supply sector, we have now raised more than £100,000 in donations for STEM subjects at schools throughout the North East.

To date, the donations have supported more than 20 schools, some of which have been funded several times, and we have supported many Primary Engineer programmes, as well as the Nissan Skills Foundation and Bring It On. 

Donations this year will reach £18,000, bringing the grand total to £110,000.

Schools that have received funding over the years include Bill Quay School; Harton Academy; Wardley Primary School; Epinay Business and Enterprise School; Coatham Primary School; Portobello Primary School; and Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form College.

The North East Automotive Alliance team and our award-winning companies have visited all schools over the last ten years to present cheques and see how the donations are enhancing the teaching of STEM subjects. 

We have made repeat visits to some of the schools, and it is wonderful to see how STEM is becoming such an important part of the curriculum.

The £100,000 milestone is truly memorable, but it is also just part of the journey we are on, as the North East Automotive Alliance and our members are committed to supporting STEM subjects for many years to come.

The support for schools is linked to our annual awards, which recognise achievements in sustainability, innovation, business success and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Individual awards highlight outstanding contributions to industry development. 

The full list of awards are the Geoff Ford MBE Apprentice Award, sponsored by Gateshead College; Graduate Award; Women Who Inspire in Automotive Award, sponsored by Marelli; Innovation Award, sponsored by Newcastle University; Sustainability Award, sponsored by Nissan; SME of the Year Award, sponsored by North East IOT; and the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Sunderland City Council.

A further category has been added this year. 

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer Award, sponsored by Hitachi Digital Services, celebrates organisations that lead the way in creating truly inclusive workplaces. 

To enter or attend the awards dinner, contact a member of the North East Automotive Alliance team or visit www.northeastautomotivealliance.com/events/neaa-annual-awards-2026/

Paul Butler is chief executive of the North East Automotive Alliance

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