STEM Ambassadors

Who are STEM Ambassadors?

STEM Ambassadors are individuals from a wide variety of STEM backgrounds and careers at all levels, who can offer their time, enthusiasm and expertise to help schools inspire young people.

Their jobs range from marine biologists to mathematicians studying climate change, from aeronautical engineering apprentices to medical physicists and industrial chemists to electrical engineers, and to lab technicians, to name but a few.

Across the UK they represent over 1,000 different employers, from large multi-nationals to SMEs and other organisations like the NHS and the Environment Agency. Many Ambassadors are undergraduates and apprentices.

Ambassadors can also help teachers to bring the curriculum to life, acting as great role models and helping to debunk the popular myths about nerdy scientists and grimy engineers.

Anyone who has an interest in STEM and a desire to inspire children and young people in STEM subjects can become an Ambassador.

The main qualities all ambassadors share are enthusiasm and commitment, along with a passion for what they do.

To get a better idea of what STEM Ambassadors can do, please have a look at these short films produced by STEMNET:

  

 Why are STEM Ambassadors necessary?

There are several reasons for linking industry with education through the Ambassadors Programme.

The most important is that fewer young people are choosing to study STEM subjects, partly because they are perceived as 'difficult' subjects and they can not see their use in future life.

Pupils find it hard to engage in STEM lessons at school without a context for their learning and ambassadors can help to provide that background.

Also, the country is facing a potential STEM skills gap which will be felt very shortly by the STEM industries who, on the whole, currently have an ageing workforce.

What can STEM Ambassadors do?

  • Bring real-life examples and role models to the classroom
  • Talk about the wide range of STEM opportunities
  • Support schools activities such as Science and Engineering clubs
  • Help with schools' STEM competitions, events and awards
  • Assist in extra-curricular STEM experiences
  • Help to provide work-based placements

  STEM Ambassadors on Teachers TV! Six 15 min programmes show several STEM Ambassadors at work and in schools: 

What are the benefits for the individual?

  • Further develop planning and preparation skills
  • Strengthen communication skills
  • Sense of achievement
  • Identify aspects of their job which motivate and stimulate
  • Fresh perspective on day-to-day job
  • Raise own profile at work
  • Contribute towards Chartered status
  • Chance to share enthusiam and inspire the next generation
  • Have fun!

 

What ambassadors get out of the programme depends on their personal and professional goals and how much they put in to the programme.

 

What are the benefits for employers?

  • Career development of employees
  • Increased profile in the local community
  • Raised interest among future generations of potential employees
  • Opportunity to give something back to the community
  • Gain better understanding of education system

 

Joining the STEM Ambassador programme

If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador the first step is to complete a registration form which can be found at www.db.stemnet.org.uk/register.cfm

Please make sure you select the region 'Highlands and Islands' if you live in Argyll & Bute, Moray, Western Isles, Shetland, Orkney and Highland.

Once registered, you will be invited to attend a 1/2 day induction briefing held locally to you where you will be required to complete a Disclosure Scotland form.

Once STEM North of Scotland has received note back from Disclosure Scotland that your check has been approved, you will be able to participate in activities as an ambassador. Active ambassadors are required to participate in a minimum of one activity per year, however, the more help you can provide, the more benefit schools and pupils will experience.

 

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Why are STEM Ambassadors necessary?

What can STEM Ambassadors do?

Benefits for the individual

Benefits for the employer

Joining the STEM
Ambassadors Programme

Become a fan of the STEM North of Scotland Facebook page to stay in touch with other STEM Ambassadors!