Institution news
Elevating Education highlights the role of our STEM Ambassadors in encouraging more young people to consider engineering as a career. At the Institution, we believe education to be fundamental and we want to inspire our members to get involved and create a positive impact on the next generation.
At the launch, we heard opening remarks from Dr Alice Bunn where she described IMechE as a “global, world-leading and inclusive” Institution with education and skills being one of our policy priorities. Alice said our STEM Ambassador programme is vital to developing our education outreach.
“With 7,500 STEM Ambassadors, nearly a third of the UK’s total number, we have a huge opportunity to make a positive change and inspire the next generation.”
Amanda Solloway, who is currently Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury, spoke about how important it is to invest and instil confidence in younger people, so they aim and achieve high.
“The upcoming generation is full of talent, and we need to nurture it and make sure there are opportunities available to them.” The way in which we can offer a range of opportunities is by “ensuring that our education system – from nursery through to lifelong learning – develops STEM.”
Professor Helen James welcomed education being a priority for the Institution. Helen noted that IMechE members have the platform to influence education through their networks.
“We have the potential to provide work experience through our organisations, support GCSE engineering, the new T-Levels in engineering and manufacturing.”
IMechE has recently launched a Mechanical Engineering Virtual Work Experience programme with Springpod, where Year 10-13 pupils can sign up and gain valuable knowledge and skills.
IMechE’s STEM Ambassador Induction video, and the new STEM Ambassador Web resources were also launched by Education Outreach and Safeguarding Lead, Jelena Gacesa. IMechE is looking for passionate STEM Ambassadors who will join us in our mission to enthuse young people and showcase the diverse and exciting world of engineering.
Find out more about becoming a STEM Ambassador, and check out our careers and education page.