Workers step forward for STEM roles
Two workers at an award winning firm of Shropshire steel fabricators have taken up new roles to inspire the next generation of engineers.
Dan Brown and Nick Ralph, who work for Fabweld Steel Products in Telford, have become Ambassadors for the national STEMNET scheme.
They will get involved in projects to encourage more young people to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and go into schools to share their experience of working in a STEM industry.
Dan, a design engineer, and Nick, a trainee design engineer, will also be part of the county’s first ever Teen Tech event to be held at Enginuity in Coalbrookdale on October 11.
STEMNET is a government led initiative. Ambassadors are volunteers who share their expertise to work with teachers and students to motivate pupils to be creative, thoughtful and challenging in their approach to STEM subjects.
Dan joined FSP in 2013 as an apprentice and has worked his way up to his current role as a design engineer.
He said: “Undertaking an apprenticeship helped me to gain some fantastic experience and build my professional background so I am very happy to be able to share my experience with young people.
“Being a STEM Ambassador is giving me the opportunity to gain confidence and other professional skills while informing youngsters and hopefully inspiring some of them to have a future in engineering.”
Nick, 24, joined FSP at 16 after completing an engineering course in his last two years of school. He started in the finishing department carrying out general duties and final assembly before training as a welder, fabricator and laser operator.
He said he wanted to work with young people so they could realise what they could achieve by studying STEM subjects.
“FSP has given me so many opportunities to learn different skills that I would not normally have done. I want to use my experience to show young people what career options are open to them in the STEM field and how they can develop if they work hard.
“The Teen Tech event will be the first major event of its kind in Shropshire and we’re looking forward to getting involved,” Nick added.
FSP won the Excellence in Learning and Skills category at the recent Shropshire Star Excellence in Business awards and Operations Director Wayne Carter said the firm was committed to supporting learning in the wider community.
He explained: “Being part of STEMNET has always been important to us and I am delighted that Nick and Dan have become Ambassadors. It can be hard for young people to understand how what they learn in school can translate in the workplace and Dan and Nick are there to share their experience, encourage and inspire them.”
Telford and Wrekin Council supports the STEMNET network. Councillor Gilly Reynolds, Cabinet member for Employment and Skills, said: “We’re really pleased to have FSP supporting our Teen Tech event later in the year.
“We’re keen to encourage STEM studies and FSP is already involved in this, through its ambassador programme, working with schools in the area.”
For more information on STEMNET or to book a visit from a STEMNET Ambassador, go to www.stemnet.org.uk.