The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC) is a University of York initiative that brings industry and education together to create opportunities for businesses, educators and young people. Working across the UK and beyond, CIEC helps companies strengthen their engagement with the future STEM workforce. CIEC has a strong presence in the North East, including through its Children Challenging Industry (CCI) programme, which works with primary schools across the region to bring science and industry to life through engaging, hands-on experiences. Through our work with North East schools and businesses, we are committed to supporting the region’s STEM talent pipeline and strengthening connections between industry and education.