Why what seems 'boring' to you could inspire the next generation of engineers

It can sometimes be easy to forget that what we do as civil engineers on a day-to-day basis can be fascinating and exciting for many young people.

Site visits, AutoCAD, using the tools of the trade… the list goes on.

STEM events and engagement activities don’t have to be jaw dropping or huge scale to make a difference.

The impact that one STEM event can have on inspiring a child can often be underestimated.

I would like to remind all current and potential STEM ambassadors that every little helps!

Interest in a career is developed by having exposure to it, and I feel that the earlier we can expose younger generations to civil engineering the better.

Why I became a STEM ambassador

I decided to become an ICE STEM ambassador to give school pupils the opportunity to find out more about civil engineering.

I wanted them to properly consider the range of courses and careers available and see that it’s a very rewarding career!

It’s so important we raise awareness to help address the skills shortages in the profession and wider industry.

I’m so excited and encouraged by the engagement from children and students in Northern Ireland’s schools and universities!

How Covid-19 affected STEM engagement

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, many children have missed out on events and experiences that we previously took for granted.

This was at pivotal moments in their ‘education to career’ journey.

This is seen to be having a negative impact on confidence, skills and knowledge, so it’s now more important than ever to provide new and exciting opportunities to learn and grow.

What I’ve gained from being a STEM ambassador

STEM engagement is such a great networking activity, with your colleagues and beyond!

I’ve made so many connections through planning and attending STEM engagement events.

Connections within AtkinsRéalis, with ICE Northern Ireland as well as in schools and universities, which really helps with our early careers' recruitment.

Similarly, if there’s a skill you’re interested in developing, getting involved in STEM activities provides a great opportunity to practice your public speaking and communication skills in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

It could be a one-on-one session with a work experience pupil, a presentation to a small group in a classroom, or perhaps to a larger audience.

You can use this opportunity to boost your personal attributes in a way that suits you.

A boost for my professional development

I’ve been working towards my Incorporated Engineer (IEng) Professional Review over the last few years and my STEM engagement of course boosted my professional commitment attribute.

It was a great conversation topic during the review, which I passed in June 2023.

If you want to motivate your team through group activities, STEM outreach allows us to combine social value and team building so easily.

Our Bring your Child to Work Day at AtkinsRéalis was a hit for all involved. We will hopefully see many of the attendees following in their parents’ footsteps as engineers in the future.

Impacting change for the future

Anyone interested in STEM engagement should just go for it.

With any free time you have, sharing what might be to you a boring day-to-day activity could make a big difference to the next generation of future civil engineers.

It’s a great feeling knowing that I’ve had a role in inspiring students and hopefully impacting change for a better future.