In technologically advanced countries, there is a general concern over the recruitment and retention to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In the UK, there are much commented upon shortages of qualified STEM secondary teachers. In an effort to produce change, Gatsby Technical Education Projects (GTEP) was set up specifically to support improvement in educational opportunity in the UK for a workforce that can better apply technology for wealth creation and to encourage effective technology transfer from universities and other research centres to productive industry. Taking account of the number and diversity of Gatsby projects and programmes, evaluations have provided Gatsby Trustees with a good deal of experience and wisdom to guide future grant making. Gatsby evaluations are carried out by independent third parties. The majority of those commissioned to carry out Gatsby evaluations work in university education departments. In this article, the author shares some lessons learned from some of those evaluations. Lessons from work on continuing professional development and from work with Local Authorities and professional organisations are presented.