STEM Ambassadors are volunteers working in, or studying, STEM subjects. These volunteers work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real-life experiences.
Encouraging school children to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers helps foster economic growth and innovation. Recently appointed STEM Ambassador and Incremental People Director – Linda McAulay – jumped at the chance for Incremental to give back some time and digital skills to young people in Glasgow, starting with volunteering at a series of STEM focused workshops at The Glasgow Academy on Tuesday 9 May 2023.
The Glasgow Academy was keen for school students age 12-13 to gain an insight into STEM career opportunities and as such, asked Ambassadors to come along and knowledge share. The theme of the day was around being your authentic self and applying your strengths into a professional working environment, with the students able to attend different breakout groups led by STEM Ambassadors.
Above: Incrementalists – Linda McAulay and Steven Leonard – inspiring the next generation into STEM focused roles and businesses.
Joining Linda at Glasgow Academy’s STEM workshop series was Incremental Theme Lead, Steven Leonard. Steven commented, “I’ve been a STEM ambassador for a few years now and it was something I was keen to reignite upon joining Incremental in February 2023. I was delighted to talk to so many keen students about my journey in the tech sector and how being your authentic self can present many opportunities when pursuing a career in technology.”
Students were attentive throughout both Steven and Linda’s sessions, who shared their own unique tech career journeys and provided insight into what it’s like to work in a technology business like Incremental. The students also demonstrated real enthusiasm and out-of the-box thinking when it came to getting involved in some interactive problem-solving activities and quizzes.
It’s important to Incremental to promote that STEM careers offer a wide range of job prospects for young people, both now and in the future. As technology continues to advance rapidly, the demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields is growing exponentially. By exposing school children to successful STEM professionals and role models, we can inspire and motivate them to pursue STEM careers. Seeing individuals who share their background or have overcome similar challenges can instil confidence and belief in their own abilities, encouraging them to pursue their passions in the field.
For more information on Incremental’s commitment to backing digital skills for young people in Scotland, read this blog on its long-standing partnership with Digital Xtra Fund.