Two RAF STEM Ambassadors recently got the opportunity to join the BBC on the ‘BBC Bitesize’ school’s tour in the North of England. The tour (led by BBC Radio 1 Extra presenter Nick Bright) provided students with an opportunity to engage with people from different industries. The RAF SAs talked about their current roles, their own school experiences, and the paths they took to employment in STEM careers.
Flying Officer Peter Parker, from RAF Shawbury, visited Matthew Moss School in Rochdale to speak with 200 pupils about Air Traffic Controller training.
"It was a superb experience and it’s not something I would have had the opportunity to do if I hadn’t become a STEM Ambassador. The children were fantastic, so enthusiastic and asked some very insightful questions, especially the Year 7s."
Flying Officer Peter Parker
RAF STEM Ambassador
When asked about why he became a STEM ambassador, Flying Officer Parker talked about the chance to inspire the next generation to join, as well as the creativity and enthusiasm of children.
"As a force we are constantly looking ahead to the future; be it the way we deliver training or the future air systems we require. The chance to inspire and encourage children to explore their creativity is why I wanted to be a STEM ambassador. Children are naturally inquisitive and will ask a lot of questions, giving them the chance to learn and understand what we do with such enthusiasm is a fantastic feeling. I would encourage anyone to become a STEM Ambassador."
Flying Officer Peter Parker
RAF STEM Ambassador
Senior Aircraftman Thor Dymond, from MOD Kineton, joined the Tour at Belvedere Academy in his hometown of Liverpool. It was a cold morning, and the hall had still not warmed up, but in true military style, Thor seized the initiative and soon had the students and other panellists laughing by leading a quick game of ‘Stand Up, Sit Down.'
Both RAF STEM Ambassadors thoroughly enjoyed the experience and left a positive impression on the students. The opportunity to work alongside external agencies in alternative settings, reflect the positive Continuous Professional Development advantages offered to serving personnel engaged in the RAF STEM Ambassador program. This, coupled with high levels of personal satisfaction reported by RAF STEM Ambassadors following STEM engagement events, highlights the benefits of RAF STEM to both the individual and the young people they have contact with.
