Government launches industry-backed drive for school ambassadors

Citation

(2002), "Government launches industry-backed drive for school ambassadors", Education + Training, Vol. 44 No. 4/5. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2002.00444dab.003

Government launches industry-backed drive for school ambassadors

Government launches industry-backed drive for school ambassadors

The Government has begun a recruitment drive for science and engineering "ambassadors" to encourage more young people to study science and technology after the age of 16 by helping them to find out at first hand what a career in science and technology could offer them. Ambassadors will work in schools across the country to explain to young people the importance of science in everyday life and talk about their own careers. The campaign is backed by companies including BAE Systems, BP, IBM, Ford and Unilever, which run similar activities with local schools. John Weston, BAE Systems chief executive, said: "We are doubling the number of our ambassadors from 500 to 1,000 and welcome the overarching organization that the UK programme provides. Education-liaison activities bring good development opportunities for our employees and bring the excitement and challenge of engineering to young people. Through the UK ambassadors programme, many more organizations, large and small, can give and receive similar benefits."

Ambassadors will be young people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. They could be working as scientists, engineers and mathematicians or using those skills in other careers. They will:

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  support out-of-school activities like clubs, awards and competitions;

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  offer mentoring and careers guidance;

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  act as role models; and

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  help to provide work experience placements for teachers and students.

Science minister Lord Sainsbury said: "Many young people can be turned off science and technology subjects at school, often because they don't feel that science is interesting or relevant to their daily lives. I want their eyes to be opened to the wide opportunities a career in science can offer. Science today is very exciting and there is no better way to convey this message than by bringing lessons to life with help from skilled people already working in the industry and academia." Schools minister Baroness Ashton said: "For me, one of the most exciting parts of Science Year is the legacy we leave behind – new resources, new networks, ideas and enthusiasm. But what better legacy could there be than ambassadors, from business, the public sector and higher education, working with schools all around the country? As we move ahead into the twenty-first century, we all know that our young people need to be equipped to understand the fast-changing world of science and technology, and to deal with the moral and social questions that will increasingly be posed. Ambassadors have an important role to play in preparing the citizens of tomorrow to meet the challenges that lie ahead."