Catching up with STEM ambassador Andy Carter
4th March 2024
This week is National Careers Week, a celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK.
STEM education is one of the most important subjects in schools and encourages students to think critically, analyse data, and develop solutions to complex problems. These skills are not only valuable in STEM fields but also in many other areas of life, from business to politics.
To give a bit of insight into STEM, as part of this week’s Monday Motivation, we spoke with Andy Carter, Digital Transformation Director at Dyer & Butler, about his role as a STEM ambassador.
Q: What made you want to get involved in being a STEM ambassador?
A: Although in recent years I’ve tended to look after IT and process improvement activities, I’m proud to be a qualified civil engineer, and I love being able to inspire the next generation of engineers. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. There are so many worthwhile careers that use an element of these topics, but it’s difficult for children to know what these might be. STEM ambassadors help youngsters think about the possibilities.
Q: What does your role as an ambassador entail?
A: Every year I run a couple of engineering challenges using Knex construction kits. Over 100 schools participate in this challenge annually and the years 5 and 6 classes get to design and build a model of different pieces of engineering equipment. The winners are judged and get a chance to win Knex kits for themselves. I’ve also represented our business at careers fairs for years 9 and 10 children.
Q: What do you enjoy about the role?
A: STEM ambassador events give me the sense of doing something worthwhile; talking about a topic that I’m passionate about.
Q: Why is STEM such an important topic right now?
A: STEM has always been important, but nowadays, it gives the youngsters a wide range of opportunities for their future careers across many sectors – it’s not just limited to engineering.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting involved in STEM at the company?
A: It’s really not a huge commitment! There are hundreds of ready-made opportunities to do something as a STEM ambassador. In most cases, all you need to find is a little of your time. You can do as much or as little as you want. I’ve found it to be very rewarding and it’s gives you a completely different perspective on the world of work.
Q: What’s been your favourite STEM event you’ve attended?
A: I particularly enjoy the Knex challenges, which is why I’ve signed up again in 2024!