STEM Ambassadors from the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) are on a mission to raise the profile of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) amongst Orkney’s school pupils.

STEM Ambassadors are volunteers from a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs and disciplines across the UK. They offer their time to support schools with their STEM education as well as demonstrating the value of pursuing careers in these areas. STEM Ambassadors not only have the opportunity to enrich and enhance the learning experience for children, but individuals who volunteer as STEM Ambassadors can also develop new skills and gain increased work satisfaction.

EMEC has a significant resource in STEM subjects, covering chemistry, environmental science, marine engineering and renewable energy and 25% of EMEC’s staff have received training to become STEM Ambassadors.

EMEC’s STEM Ambassadors’ first assignment was during Orkney School’s Japan Week, having been invited to attend St Andrew’s Primary School to discuss the connection between Orkney and Japan in renewable energy.

EMEC’s Hydrogen Development Manager, Jon Clipsham and ETV Manager, Dave Wakefield, spoke to 80 Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils on the different types of renewable energy and the effects of climate change on the modern world. They discussed the role of nuclear power in Japan and how EMEC and Japan are collaborating to find innovative ways to harness natural resources to generate power and reduce carbon emissions.

By Jake Frith