Driving diversity in STEM careers for a better future
In November 2021, Johnson & Johnson launched an innovative new programme in the UK to help drive a more diverse health care workforce and ensure that all young people have equal opportunity to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The Educational Outcomes of Black Pupils and Students (House of Commons 2020 briefing paper) showed that in England, young people from Black ethnic groups are less likely to obtain high grades, enter ‘prestigious’ universities, end up in a ‘highly-skilled’ job, study further, or have career satisfaction, and this programme aims to help address that inequity.
"There are such a variety of different career experiences across Johnson & Johnson that build on STEM training. I believe these talented STEM students should have every opportunity to excel in their chosen field, and we hope by giving them mentoring and work experience it will help them to build the awareness of potential opportunities, areas of interest and personal networks that can help propel their success!" - Nerida Scott, Regional Head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation EMEA
The Johnson & Johnson STEM Scholars Programme has been specifically created to support Black students studying STEM in further education. It is aimed at those who have the potential to excel in a career in STEM but lack access or knowledge of routes into their chosen career.
The 5-year programme is championed by the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre in London. It will support 25 selected London-based students in Year 12 for two years, and a cohort of 10 students for a further three years during their time at university.
The programme aims to build the students’ understanding of the healthcare industry and STEM careers, and will provide them with the knowledge, tools and access they need to pursue their chosen career. It will also enable students to gain `real life’ experience through work placements and paid internships at Johnson & Johnson UK sites, helping to enhance their CV and employment prospects.
As part of the programme, each student will be mentored by a Johnson & Johnson employee, who will support them on their STEM Scholar journey and guide them on any challenges they may face.
"At Johnson & Johnson UK, a key priority is to invest in the next generation of health care talent and to ensure that young people everywhere have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams, regardless of their ethnicity, background or circumstances. This programme will help build a more diverse talent pool for Johnson & Johnson and create a stronger and more resilient health care workforce." - Rhoda Steel, Head of CSR, Johnson & Johnson UK
