For the past 5 years Karen has worked at Newcastle Science City as Education, Skills and Engagement Manager. This role has seen her working alongside NASA Astronauts, sea creatures, robots, Olympic athletes and DJs in nightclubs. A key part of her work involves engaging with advanced manufacturing, science and engineering employers to understand their current and future skills requirements enabling the development, promotion and support for STEM skills, engagement and outreach activities that best meet the city and regions needs.
Karen has been teaching and working to help businesses meet their skills needs for 26 years. She has delivered diverse programmes ranging from commercial IT training courses; training disabled students in their homes; scoping region-wide STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) initiatives; and finding work placements and employment for young people.