WES members are fantastic role models and we encourage members to pass on the message about women in engineering to the next generation of students where possible.

If you are interested in volunteering in schools, why not consider becoming a STEMNET STEM Ambassador - STEM Ambassadors receive free training, a CRB check and can access materials and information from their local STEMNET contract holder. This will allow you to take the WES message into schools with the support and backing of the STEMNET programme. The WES Speaking Out project, developed in conjunction with the WISE Campaign, was incorporated into the STEM Ambassadors programme.

Members are not encouraged to engage in school visits without considering the message they are taking in, the impression they will make on the target group, what they will take into school or even talk about. In particular think about:

• Younger engineers and scientists are great when talking in secondary schools when they find they have more relevant experience, can connect via music or pc games or simply language. And are more up to date about qualifications and courses
• More mature scientists and engineers can connect with younger children to whom everyone appears old
• But great speakers are great speakers
• Schools have changed since you were there, however long ago it was
• Preparation and presentation is key as a poor student experience can have a more damaging impact on the perception of engineers and engineering than no contact at all. Make sure you get the right training

WES supports the project Science Sisters. The project encourages science and engineering mums on career breaks or in part-time non technical work, back to science. Science Sisters are all registered STEM Ambassadors and help schools find resources, are trained to deliver the K'Nex challenge and run hands on activity sessions in schools including working with gifted and talented students.

WES also supports Primary Engineer and in particular the Primary, Secondary and Advanced Leaders Award for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) which is a FREE award open to all between the ages of 5 and 19 years. The Leaders award has been created to give pupils the opportunity to discover more about available careers and career paths by talking to professionals engaged in those fields. WES encourages WES members to offer their time to be interviewed by prospective STEM Leaders.

Other Links

Science for Careers News and views around the Science for Careers Group (BIS)

Futuremorph Promotes careers open to young people via science and maths qualifications

ScienceGrrl The real face of female science - to inspire and impress

Science: So What? So Everything

Getting Girls into Engineering London Engineering Project/UKRC