Published at 14:11, Tuesday, 26 June 2012

THE launch of the then Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) program is being celebrated this month as it reaches its 10-year anniversary.

The original launch programme took place at Westlakes Science Park, near Whitehaven, in July 2002.

The SEAs program which is now the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program is an opportunity to promote skills to young learners and to actively encourage them to enjoy STEM subjects.

Volunteering as a STEM ambassador is an opportunity to promote skills and to inspire young people and the program is seen as a highly valued resource to support teachers and young people in schools and colleges.

The first registered SEA was Liz Temple, an employee of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd and now Sellafield Ltd. Liz has a BSc in applied biology and then worked at the Yottenfews Environmental Centre at Sellafield and is still an ambassador today.

Liz said: “During my 10 years as a STEM ambassador I have delivered a variety of workshops to thousands of students. This is extremely rewarding and I would recommend anyone to sign up to become an ambassador.”

Pauline Farrell, education manager at Sellafield Ltd, added: “I attended the launch back in 2002 which led to our first recruitment session for 10 employees who all had school links.

“With support from Sellafield Ltd we have almost 250 active ambassadors working will all schools in our travel to work area.

“I was also very proud to have been nominated by Cumbria STEM Centre Ltd for the ‘Most Dedicated Ambassador Award’ on which I attended the celebration event at the House of Lords, London.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk