A multi-disciplinary team of 7 employees from Pearson Engineering has been formed as part of RTC North’s STEM Ambassador programme which aims to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths at school and beyond.
Through the scheme, Pearson Engineering volunteers will deliver careers advice, presentations, and practical sessions to share their passion for STEM subject and to help students to evolve their creativity, problem-solving and employability skills.
Some of our ambassadors share their reasons for volunteering below:
“I became a STEM Ambassador to help young people learn more about what it means to work in the field of Engineering – we don’t just fix things, we create things. Learning what options are available at a young age can help to provide direction and ultimately motivation to succeed and achieve their goals.” – David, Business Development Manager
“I volunteered to be a STEM Ambassador to encourage brilliant students with broad ranging career goals to aspire to work for STEM businesses like Pearson Engineering. Through better engagement with STEM subjects at an earlier age, I hope that we can attract the very best talent to such businesses across all professions (marketing, finance, HR etc.), even if being a scientist or engineer is not for them.” – Nicola, Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications
“There are a lot of misconceptions regarding a career in STEM and students are not necessarily well informed early on about the opportunities that are available to them. Having gone through a similar journey of doubts and queries, I volunteered to be a STEM Ambassador to guide and encourage students to be open to different avenues and break the norm of choosing from only selected streams to reach their goal. Also, it would bring me lot of satisfaction and a sense of achievement, even if one student feels encouraged and less pressured or anxious with my help.” – Sangita, Engineer
“I volunteered for STEM as I wonder how many students consider that STEM subjects can lead to a career in Project Management – it certainly was not on my radar when I left school at 16 to serve my traditional apprenticeship. My path to my current role was slightly unorthodox and hence I thought I could share my own experiences from my career path and promote STEM biased project management.” – Steve, Project Manager
“I volunteered to be a STEM ambassador, to help highlight to students how STEM skills are used through all roles within a business. Hopefully widening the scope of students’ thoughts around potential career paths and bridging the gap between the safety of school and the scary world of employment.” Alan, Quality Assurance, Health and Safety Manager
HR Manager at Pearson Engineering, Elizabeth Hubbuck, said:
“The importance of STEM has propelled itself into the limelight recently, owing to the current situation in regard to COVID-19, and national lockdowns. The skills shortage has been a growing problem for employers, society, and the economy. In order to remain competitive within the North East and the rest of the UK its crucial future generations have the right tools and skills going forwards.
“It is therefore vital businesses and organsiations help schools and education boards to inspire children to embark on a future within STEM and the various career paths that exist. The purpose is to break down barrier’s children may believe to exist around STEM. The goal is to help children understand how much potential exists within STEM and not only what they can offer the industry, but what the industry can offer them.”
