University News Last updated 25 August
Ayoub Khan MP visited Birmingham City University’s award-winning STEAMhouse to explore how education, innovation and enterprise can help tackle some of the challenges facing students, communities and the wider economy.
The Birmingham Perry Barr MP was given a tour of STEAMhouse, BCU’s £70 million enterprise and innovation hub on the edge of the University’s City Centre Campus, where he met with Professor Hanifa Shah OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM.
He also met with Christoper Evans, Head of Product Innovation and Operations, Alexa Hartwell, Head of STEAM Academy, Russell Jeans, Director of Engagement, and Community Engagement Officer Shoukat Mehsud, former President of BCU’s Students’ Union.
The visit showcased BCU’s vision for STEAM - bringing together Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics - and the role STEAMhouse plays in connecting students and academics with businesses, entrepreneurs and community organisations.
The group also discussed BCU’s research expertise, innovation and community engagement, as well as opportunities for future collaboration and partnership.
A key theme of the discussion was the changing nature of employment and the importance of ensuring students develop practical skills, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset alongside their academic qualifications.
Ayoub Khan MP said: "I was truly impressed by the work BCU is doing to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and the practical experience that students need to succeed.
“In today’s world, employers are looking for more than diplomas and degrees - they are looking for practical skills, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“The unique model at BCU demonstrates the kind of innovative approach that can make a real difference to students and communities, and I will work to ensure that BCU and STEAMhouse receives the support that they rightly deserve from both national and local government."
Professor Hanifa Shah said: “Qualifications alone are no longer the whole of what employers are looking for - and prospective students know it, too.
"That is precisely why STEAM sits at the heart of our university strategy: bringing students and academics together with businesses and community organisations on real problems, so that creativity, enterprise and practical skill are built alongside the qualification.
“STEAMhouse is our front door for that work - it is where a conversation with a partner becomes an opportunity for a student, and just as often for the partner too. I'm grateful to Ayoub for his time, his interest and his offer of support. Engaging with the people who represent our communities is how this work reaches the students and businesses that need it most.”
BCU’s STEAM education work spans the whole education landscape, from primary and secondary schools through to higher education, helping to develop STEAM learning and skills at every stage while creating opportunities for wider community reach and engagement.
Pictured (from left): Alexa Hartwell, Russell Jeans, Shoukat Mehsud, Christopher Evans, Ayoub Khan MP and Professor Hanifa Shah OBE.