26 – 29 October, National Museum of Scotland
Open to the public 3 – 5pm daily
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The careers event with a difference, Edinburgh Science’s annual Careers Hive returns to the National Museum of Scotland from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 October.
Now in its 11th iteration, the 4-day event welcomes P7 – S3 school pupils from across Scotland to discover possible careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) industries by exploring new skills with hands on activities and opportunities to speak directly with STEM professionals working in Scotland today.
At Careers Hive, pupils will take part in the Experience STEM Exhibition, located within the Museum’s Grand Gallery.
Designed to align Skill Development Scotland’s Meta-skills framework, the exhibition is divided into four themed activity zones, and led by volunteer STEM professionals. Pupils can take part in a wide range of hands-on activities, exploring and developing tangible skills that are utilised within current STEM roles including Data Scientist, AI Scientist, Clothes Designer, and Mechanic.
The Think Tank, also located within the Grand Gallery, offers a dedicated space for pupils to chat informally with professionals one-to-one and ask questions.
Careers Hive also includes the Life After Leaving School panel series, bringing together several guest speakers from diverse roles, educational backgrounds, and stages of their career, to share their stories and insights.
Panellists include Skills Development Scotland’s Modern Apprentice of the Year 2026 Sam Anderson, who during her apprenticeship at Muiravonside Country Park in Falkirk has increased the capacity for ranger-led education and activities.
Also featuring as a panellist is Holly Robertson, a Medical Writer for Alchemy Medical Writing who specialises in virology, immunology and genetics; and Zac Mooney Project Manager Apprentice for Scottish Water who secured two Awards at the Pipeline Industries Guild Professional Development Network Competition in 2024.
During the day, Careers Hive is open to pre-booked school groups only. From 3pm to 5pm each day, families and visitors to the Museum are invited to explore the Experience STEM Exhibition located within the Grand Gallery.
Hassun El-Zafar, Director and CEO at Edinburgh Science said: “Scotland’s future will be shaped by science and technology, and every young person deserves to feel part of it.
“With demand for STEM skills rising across renewable energy, manufacturing and digital industries, closing the skills gap has never mattered more. Careers Hive gives students a real-world view of the jobs and opportunities STEM opens up, right at the moment they are choosing their subjects.
“It inspires those who will build careers in these fields and gives everyone a better understanding of a world that science is transforming. A STEM-literate society is a stronger, fairer one, and that is the future we want to help build.”
Careers Hive is supported by a range of funders, see www.edinburghscience.co.uk for a full list.