Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog

CPD/ UK Spec Attainment – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEM)

A way of achieving ICE attribute 9 – Professional Commitment, is to promote engineering (sub-attribute 9D “Demonstration of appropriate professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment”. I suspect the IMechE and IET have a similar requirement under the UK Spec.

One way of doing this is to use the Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) network.

This is a nationwide charity which has links to schools and groups for STEM Ambassadors to visit and talk about all things STEM (or specifically engineering in our case). The process involves getting a Disclosure and Barring Service certificate (newly named CBR check to be able to work with under 18s) and attending a 2hr induction. I am blogging because I have just attended an induction which was pretty useful because my baseline knowledge was low. I have included a brief summary of some of the points for those thinking this might be an interesting route to take…

There are 4 principles to adhere to for a STEM activity:

1. There must be benefit to students
2. The subject delivered must be STEM based
3. Non-supervisory
4. Voluntary

The STEM network has a database which works two ways. If you have something to offer schools you can highlight your skill and teachers will respond. Alternatively, teachers will request ambassadors to visit and deliver a talk/activity/lesson.

The ICE has lots of resources to assist and there are case studies which can be used for inspiration for lessons.

A constant theme was understanding why you want to be a STEM Ambassador – most people either said to promote their subject to inspire young people or to get more women into the subject. Otherwise the general position was that people were enjoying working in a STEM area and were keen to pass on their enthusiasm to a younger generation.

Thoughts 

This approach (using STEMNET) is not the most original and I was not the only student in the room there to demonstrate ability of an ICE attribute, but actually it looks like a very sound way of promoting engineering to young people. That is something I felt my school did less well so it is interesting (to me at least) there are now even after school engineering clubs!

The audience was perhaps the most diverse I have ever seen: old, young, male female, mixed religions, races, languages, you name it. The spectrum of people being inducted as STEM Ambassadors was so varied (head of IBM equality and diversity to a student who wanted to promote how to make computer games) that aspect alone provided interest in itself. That is part of STEMNET’s approach to breaking down stereotypes – refreshing.

In a growing industry, at least while the economy is on the rise, it seems an ideal time to promote engineering to young people.

https://db.stemnet.org.uk/register