“There is a serious shortage of female engineers,” explained Emma Robertson, one of Renishaw’s STEM mentors. “In the UK, only 9% of the engineering workforce is female. Sharing insight into my career during the FameLab Academy at an all-girls school is an opportunity to raise awareness and interest in the range of engineering and scientific careers available to young people.”
FameLab Academy is a competition for Year 9 students in Gloucestershire run by Cheltenham Festivals and supported by EDF Energy. Participating students deliver a three-minute presentation on a scientific or engineering topic of their choice to a panel of judges. The students are graded on content, clarity and charisma. The best presentation from each school is selected for the Gloucestershire final, a work placement in a local STEM business and a two-day Communication Masterclass.
“In the STEM industries communication is an extremely important skill,” continued Robertson. “It can be difficult to explain complex technical information clearly and concisely for a range of audiences. Developing the student’s interpersonal, communication and presentation skills is essential for ensuring a skilled and talented workforce in the future.”
Each of the 14 participating schools is partnered with a STEM mentor. Robertson will mentor Stroud High School and a second Renishaw engineer, Kirsty Wynne, will mentor Wyedean School near Chepstow on how to give an effective presentation.
Ali Mawle, education director at Cheltenham Festivals, explained: “Through FameLab Academy workshops, students are given the tools to communicate and as a result their confidence soars, and through links with industry and the British Science Association CREST Awards, FameLab is very relevant to real life and the students’ futures.”
