What is a STEM Ambassador?
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.
There are now more than 400 Ambassadors across the Highlands and Islands who represent more than 100 different employers, from large multinational national companies, such as Lifescan and BP, to SMEs and other organisations like the NHS and UHI Millennium Institute.
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.
Have a look at our videos on the right to see STEM Ambassadors at work.
Use the links below for further information on STEM ambassadors, the programme, how to become a part of it and the benefits to young people and employers:
Frequently asked questions:
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
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
How do I join 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.
For more information please visit www.stemnorthofscotland.com or email Janice Wallace.
