Why not become a STEM ambassador?

Abstract

Food Science and TechnologyVolume 36, Issue 3 p. 60-61 Careers & TrainingFree Access Why not become a STEM ambassador? First published: 01 September 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/fsat.3603_14.xAboutSectionsPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Heather Bowie, Susan Arkley and Alastair MacGregor explain the benefits of the STEM Ambassador Programme and how to volunteer. With the nation's population steadily rising and the effects of climate change on food supplies increasing, never has the role of those within food science and technology been more important. To ensure a supply of varied, safe and healthy food for the UK's population, Professor Bob Rastall, Head of Food and Nutritional Sciences at The University of Reading, recently estimated that over 45,000 skilled food scientists will be required within the next decade to meet the imminent challenges1. The survey conducted by IFST and KTN in 2021, What Technical Skills does the UK Food & Drink Sector Need? looked to find answers to the problem of a shortage of skilled candidates for future roles by surveying members from across the food science and technology sector2. The survey found that fewer than half of respondents were currently engaging with schools, colleges or universities; it recommended that this collaboration between industry and education was essential to ‘create a pipeline of talent’. One of the contributing factors identified was that despite the willingness of those in the industry to engage with educational establishments, only 53% were aware of any resources to support this interaction. The STEM Ambassador Programme (managed by STEM Learning) aims to make connections between those in industry and the potential next generation of workers. For 20 years the STEM Ambassador Programme has been successful in raising the aspirations of young learners, highlighting career options and providing relatable role models within STEM industries. By providing a network where those working within STEM can connect with educational professionals and community leaders, STEM Learning creates an environment in which young learners have access to a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. The latest STEM Learning Impact Report3 shows that over 90% of schools that engaged with a STEM Ambassador felt that there was an increased enjoyment and interest in STEM subjects. STEM Ambassadors come from a variety of industries including the food science and technology sector. All ambassadors have access to a wealth of both online and physical resources as well as training and support from hubs across the UK to make volunteering a worthwhile and positive experience for everyone. Susan Arkley is a member of the IFST and a food consultant and lecturer, she is also a STEM Ambassador. Here she tells us why she decided to join the programme. If, like Susan, you want to support and inspire the future talent pipe into the food science and technology sector, why not consider signing up to be a STEM Ambassador4? IFST Case study: Susan Arkley I am a Fellow of IFST and Chair of the Food Innovation Special Interest Group. I have over 20 years’ experience of working in the food industry specialising in product development and innovation and several years’ experience teaching food science and food industry-related subjects at FE and HE level. I regularly work with my local primary school providing support on different food-related topics. I first heard about the STEM Ambassador Programme through IFST. The IFST Education strategy aims to inspire young people to think about food-based education and support excellence in food science and technology in primary and secondary education, further and higher education. The Programme supports aspects of this strategy. The main objectives of the Programme are: Supporting learning – helping young people to understand the real-world applications of their learning, Illuminating careers – showcasing different careers, providing information on roles and pathways into industry while raising awareness of the skills that are important in the workplace, Raising aspirations – giving young people the opportunity to meet a wide range of inspiring role models, encouraging them as they think about their future. I wanted to find out more about the STEM Ambassador Programme and how to volunteer, so I attended the IFST webinar in February 2022. This explained more about the programme, how to get involved and the types of activities that you can participate in. Talking through my experience of working in the food industry and food education as well as some of the projects that I had already volunteered for with members of the STEM Team was really insightful. I could see that my experience would be valuable to the STEM programme. STEM Ambassadors are volunteers from a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related jobs across the UK. It is a very flexible programme and allows you to get involved in activities that you feel comfortable with – both online and in person. There is a great website full of resources and ideas to help you plan your activities. There are 17 STEM hubs across the UK to support local activities and connect you with the whole STEM Community. I decided to go for it and volunteer to become a STEM Ambassador. Signing up is very simple. You create an online account at stem.org.uk, complete an application form and an online induction with Future Learn. You also need to get your identity verified by a witness and then apply for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check – which is completely free for STEM applicants. The whole process took around four weeks, during which time I was contacted and welcomed by my local STEM hub and invited to join the next meeting. As soon as the DBS Clearance is confirmed you are ready to go. Heather Bowie, SSERC, STEM Ambassadors in Scotland Programme Coordinator email heather.bowie@sserc.scot Susan Arkley MBA – Fellow of IFST and Chair of the Food Innovation Special Interest Group email susanarkley@blueyonder.co.uk Alastair MacGregor – IFST Trustee, Chair of Education – IFST. CEO SSERC. email alastair.macgregor@sserc.scot References 1University of Reading. 2020. Available from: https://www.reading.ac.uk/research/themes/theme-health/rd-food-and-nutritional-sciences (accessed 15 June 2022) Google Scholar 2 KTN. 2021. What technical skills does the UK food & drink sector need? Available from: https://ktn-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FD-Sector-Skills-Survey.pdf (accessed 15 June 2022) Google Scholar 3STEM Learning. 2021. Impact 2021. Available from: https://www.stem.org.uk/sites/default/files/pages/downloads/STEM%20Learning%20-%20Impact%20Report%202021%20%28Digital%29.pdf (accessed 15 June 2022) Google Scholar 4STEM Learning. 2021. STEM ambassador programme. Available from: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors (accessed 30 June 2022) Google Scholar Volume36, Issue3September 2022Pages 60-61 ReferencesRelatedInformation