DreamSTEaM will secure future skills within the chemical and process industry

The chemical and process industry is changing rapidly through electrification, increased automation, and the transition to new circular and bio-based raw materials. While the content of these professions is being modernised, the image of the sector has failed to keep pace, and it is still perceived by many as old-fashioned and outdated.

“We are in the midst of a fantastic technological development where our industry is absolutely crucial to the climate transition. Despite this, the chemical and process industry remains relatively unknown, and the public's perception of the sector is outdated. It is precisely this gap that we intend to bridge with our initiative by bringing the industry and its opportunities to life,” says Stina Welming, one of the Project Managers for DreamSTEaM from Lindholmen Science Park.

The idea for DreamSTEaM was born out of a clear need among the members of the Climate Leading Process Industry. In the next three years alone, the sector is estimated to need 2,800 new engineers, yet at the same time, figures show that 87 per cent of young people do not know what kind of work is available within the chemical and process industry. The image of the industry as a whole needed to be modernised, and this can only be achieved together.

The project has been granted funding by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) and Region Västra Götaland until the end of 2029 to help solve the skills crisis and increase young people's interest in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with the inclusion of “arts”, which introduces dimensions of creativity, design, and entrepreneurship into the more traditional scientific and technical subjects.

DreamSTEaM will be run from Lindholmen Science Park as a neutral base, and a total of 24 organisations and companies have chosen to participate in the project from the start.

Activities include the launch of a digital booking portal that will make it easy for upper secondary schools and universities to book study visits and lectures. The project also focuses on strategic storytelling via social media platforms such as TikTok and LinkedIn, as well as a website, where inspiring videos featuring employees as role models will break down stereotypes and highlight the industry's vital role. The project also aims to create networks among the participating parties, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.

“By coordinating our efforts, we can make the industry truly visible. When we let young people meet the industry in real life, for example through inspiring lectures and study visits, we hope to spark a genuine interest in STEM subjects and show that they can actually help solve the greatest challenges of our time,” continues Sofia Wångsell, who shares the project management role with Stina Welming.