Birtley, County Durham, UK, 2 October 2025 – This October, Parker Hannifin, a global leader in motion and control technologies, is set to showcase the exciting career opportunities available in the STEM sector across North East England.
STEM ambassadors and apprentices from Parker Bioscience Filtration in Birtley and Parker’s Gas Separation and Filtration Division in Gateshead will be representing the company at STEMFest, taking place from 7–9 October at Newcastle’s Vertu Motors Arena.
STEMFest, coordinated by the STEM Hub and delivered by RTC North, will feature interactive workshops, presentations and a hands-on exhibition led by industry experts. It aims is to inspire and guide the next generation towards a career in STEM by bringing together students, educators and professionals.
The event has continued to prove its popularity, with school registrations selling out in a matter of minutes and around 60 local companies registered to exhibit at the event. Students attending from primary and secondary schools can expect fun and interactive sessions that bring science, technology, engineering and math to life – offering real world insights into the diverse career paths available.
Parker’s STEM ambassadors, who hold roles from across the organisation including engineering, IT, finance and HR, will run activities across the three days, introducing students to various aspects of the company’s work.
Students will have the opportunity to find out how Parker’s technology and product portfolio can be used across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing, energy, process, biopharmaceutical and the food and beverage sector. They will also have the chance to learn more about filtration and the importance of a clean and sterile environment when packaging everyday products, such as bottled water. Other activities on the stand will include colony counting challenges and manifold building.
This is the fourth consecutive year that Parker Bioscience Filtration is attending STEMFest but it is the first time it will have representatives from its apprenticeship scheme on the stand, who will be able to share their experiences and talk about their career paths. Parker’s Gas Separation and Filtration Division will this year have its own exhibition stand after attending in 2024 and sharing a stand with the Bioscience Filtration division.
“We’re delighted to be once again exhibiting at STEMFest. Participating in this event demonstrates our commitment to engaging with the communities in which we live and operate and aligns with our purpose: to enable engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow.
Alison Rishworth, Division HR Manager at Parker Bioscience Filtration
“In previous years the event has stimulated engaging discussions and it’s been great to see students light up and get involved in the activities we have on our stand and around the venue. This year it’s back at Vertu Motors Arena, which will provide two floors of hands-on-learning for students, and our team is looking forward to meeting the students and showcasing the opportunities available to them.”
“I’m genuinely excited to be attending STEMFest again, as it’s a well organised event which provides fantastic opportunities to connect businesses and schools. As STEM ambassadors, we regularly engage with local schools through running in-school workshops and hosting tours of our facilities. STEMFest is a great way for us to extend our reach and showcase the variety of careers available right on the doorstep of these young people.
Richard Purdy, Project Engineer and STEM ambassador at Parker Bioscience Filtration
“This year we’ll have around 10 volunteers running activities on our stand across the three days, from our apprentices to long standing employees. Each team member can share their experiences and career journey, to encourage students to consider a career in a STEM subject.
“I’m looking forward to spending time engaging with the local community as well as the other exhibitors, as we can share our experiences of championing STEM.”
STEMFest’s organisers expect more than 3,000 young people aged nine to 13 to attend the three-day event. It will feature exhibitors from sectors including space, sports, technology, energy and manufacturing.
Parker’s STEM ambassadors promote STEM subjects and careers in North East England’s schools. The company also collaborates with local universities and provides opportunities through internships and apprenticeships.
For more information on STEMFest Newcastle, visit: https://discover.parker.com/STEMInspiringEngineers
