PROCAT Apprentice Ambassadors Presentation to audience of 40 for National Women in Engineering Day Helping students design cars for F1 in schools Process to set up an Apprentice Ambassador scheme

Rationale To replicate STEMNET STEM ambassador model. People with STEM backgrounds offer their time and expertise to enhance any STEM activities. However STEM Ambassador activities are less likely to focus on, or make links to, engineering and maths. School students will find it easier to relate to young adults and be able to see themselves in a similar place in 5 years’ time. Showing sixth formers around aviation academy

Recruitment Recruitment is a two-fold process: Course tutors nominate positive role models Apprentices nominate themselves Students from every course in the college are targeted The aim is to create a large pool of Ambassadors in order to spread the work and provide different perspectives. Rail apprentices joined “speed dating” event with 35 other employment representatives

Training Safe guarding training was run by Explore STEM. Apprentice Ambassador training worksheet Safe guarding training was run by Explore STEM. Training focused on: How children may behave at primary and secondary school; Roles and responsibilities of the school teacher they will be working with. Ongoing support included lots of preparation and encouragement because ambassadors were concerned about feeling ready and confident to talk to young people.

Employer buy-in Employers are notified by email that students in their employment have been selected to be Apprentice Ambassadors. None have objected to this so far with the vast majority being very supportive.

Benefits to AA and employer 0= lowest, 3= highest Has being an apprentice ambassador impacted on your confidence to talk to different audiences? 2.4 Has being an apprentice ambassador impacted on your leadership skills? 2.6 Has being an apprentice ambassador impacted on your presentation skills? 2.0 Publicity for the college and employers Encourages more young people into rewarding careers Builds presentation and communication skills of the Apprentice Ambassadors developing their employability The general consensus from Apprentice Ambassadors is that the role is fun and they would do it again, as Abigail said “it develops your own skills when you show someone else how to do it.”

What students said about Apprentice Ambassadors “Engineers like the apprentices have to be organised and follow instructions one after the other.” “It is important to be committed, filing the key ring was hard work but my Apprentice Ambassador mentor encouraged me so I didn’t give up.” An Ambassador demonstrating skills and talking to parents at a year 11 “destination evening”

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