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"You could change a child’s perspective”: Why shaping careers education is easier than you think
Just as teachers have a role to play in supporting careers education in schools, so too does industry.
In our fast-evolving world, new job roles are constantly emerging. It can be difficult even for industry experts to keep informed of new areas of work, roles and their associated skills. Therefore, industry engagement with schools is essential to ensure that young people can make informed choices about their future. All STEM professionals can get involved with volunteering and careers education initiatives, regardless of role, industry or level of experience.
There can be many reasons someone has not yet engaged in careers education. It may seem hard to navigate or there could be barriers that make it difficult. Yet these are often easily overcome:
There is no formal scheme in place through my employer
A formal scheme or partnership isn’t necessary. Some STEM professionals make direct connections with their local or former schools, but the majority of professionals volunteer through careers education access schemes such as the STEM Ambassadors.
There is a significant impact on my working day, or the need to travel
Although face-to-face engagement still forms a large part of student engagement, there are lots of opportunities to engage online, for example, online webinars or text-based mentoring that can be done from the comfort of your home or office. In fact, engagements can be as short as 20 minutes at the beginning of the day for a school assembly, or a panel webinar can fit easily within a lunchbreak.
I need to be confident or experienced in engaging with young people
Certain activities like workshops might require a level of confidence in presenting/public speaking, but activities like Q&A /speed networking activities and supporting mock interviews require minimal content and preparation. The volunteer has the comfort of an experienced facilitator and other volunteers taking part too.
Advice about what to expect and support with preparation is often available, as well as a wealth of free training and guidance online. Moreover, taking part in such volunteering is a good way to build confidence and skills in a non-work setting.
Engaging in careers education requires safeguarding training and security checks (DBS)
DBS checks are not always required. Many types of engagement (particularly online facilitated activities) are accompanied or led by an appropriately trained professional, and measures are in place to protect both the volunteer and the students.
Where activities require volunteers to have an enhanced DBS, often support is available both in terms of cost and process to do so. It is worth noting that if you wish to volunteer with schools and youth groups regularly, a DBS is recommended, and you should allow plenty of time for the process. Safeguarding advice and training are readily available and can usually be accessed or signposted by the organisation or scheme that you are volunteering with or through.
How can you get involved?
STEM Ambassadors are professionals from all walks of life who are passionate about supporting young people. There are thousands of STEM Ambassadors across the UK, who come from diverse backgrounds and a range of specialisms.
It takes less than five minutes to get started as a STEM Ambassador. You can also join one the STEM Ambassador programme’s regular webinars for individuals or organisations to find out more.
“You might not get to see it, but as a STEM Ambassador you could change a child’s perspective. They could remember something you’ve said which could change everything. You have given them that nugget that leads to inspiration to continue. It ignites that flame.” - Darrel Njogu, Aerospace Engineer and STEM Ambassador
About the campaign
In our pursuit to shape a more equitable future, our March TechTogether campaign will focus on supporting the next generation by joining the National Careers Week campaign, empowering women in tech, advancing equity by design, and evolving the landscape of online safety.
Career related industry insights:
Other opportunities to get involved:
Other related insights:
Authors
Katherine Ellis
As Project Lead (Inclusion and Student Outreach) at STEM Learning, Katherine oversees the National Centre for Computing Education’s enrichment and outreach support and signposting. She also leads the NCCE’s I Belong programme, which aims to help more girls to pursue computer science-related study and careers. Her previous roles include working directly in education settings and several years delivering careers education activities in partnership with industry and education.
Claire Tomkin
Claire ensures that STEM Ambassadors have the support they need to feel confident volunteering and maximise their impact. She also manages the delivery of the STEM Ambassadors programme in London. Her previous experience includes running and training the Explainer team at the Science Museum for many years and she is passionate about helping people to deliver quality interactions to inspire young people.
