STEAM Coach, a European project involving AMUEBLA, has developed a new set of practical training resources designed to help educators, trainers and institutional leaders address gender inequalities and promote more inclusive learning and working environments in the field of vocational education and training (VET) related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
At the centre of these resources is the STEAM Coach Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme, a blended learning approach that combines practical workshops with self-directed online training. The programme provides knowledge, tools and strategies to help professionals identify barriers, challenge gender stereotypes and promote more inclusive practices in STEAM education.
The programme is structured around a competence matrix covering three interconnected areas:
- Cultural competence and awareness: focuses on recognising and addressing cultural biases, gender stereotypes and microaggressions that can affect participation and representation in STEAM VET. Participants explore practical approaches to creating more inclusive and culturally responsive learning and working environments.
- Inclusive leadership and management: explores strategies to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion in VET institutions. Topics include managing diverse talent, supporting women’s professional development and promoting organisational change.
- Educational outreach and promotion of STEAM disciplines: explores approaches that can encourage girls and women to consider STEAM-related education and careers. Topics include gender-sensitive training and outreach, inclusive policies and stronger collaboration between the education sector and industry.
The programme combines different learning formats to help participants connect the knowledge they acquire with their own professional contexts.
The practical workshops use real-life situations, case studies, group exercises, guides and coaching tools to encourage reflection and develop strategies that can be applied in practice.
The self-directed online courses offer additional opportunities to explore these topics independently, allowing participants to develop their knowledge at their own pace.
Together, these resources provide professionals working in STEAM VET with practical tools to reflect on existing practices, strengthen their competences and contribute to creating more inclusive learning and working environments.
Access the STEAM Coach resources here: https://steamcoach.eu/es/programa-dpc/
