Andrew Keen
Graduate Engineer at Perkins Engines (a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc)
Although Andrew loves his job he says "it's easy to get caught up in the technicality of what you are doing, so getting away from your desk and doing something different is very appealing." That's why he loves the challenges that being a STEM Ambassador bring.
He heard about STEMNET from a friend, and when he found out that colleagues at work were involved, he asked for more information and then signed up. He says "It's easy to work with STEMNET, they are always very accessible, responsive and supportive- and they always give thanks and feedback at the end of a project".
Andrew has been working on an Enineering Education Scheme with a local cambridge school, Thomas Deacon Academy. He was asked to create a suitable 'real life' project for some of the school's sixth formers, and to find volunteers to complete it. The idea came from one of Andrew's colleagues within Perkin's Engines' Fuel Systems Team, who made a suggestion for an engine component that could help the company increase market share, however, they were all too busy with their 'day jobs' to give the idea the attention it needed.
Instead, Andrew presented the idea to the school, carried out interviews and selected a four-strong prject team. Remarking upon the experience he says "standing up in front of thirty16 and 17 year olds was pretty scary! But it went reall well. I met with the team every week to support and facilitate their work, they also got the chance to spend three days working with expertsin the workshops at Cambridge University- it was a real life experience for the kids. They were really enthusiatic and gained a heck of an appreciation for a diesel engine! They also developed a range of project management skills to complement their studies, which in turn gained them an additional 10 UCAS points and a CREST award." Furthermore, The Fuel Systems Team were so impresed with the project that they are now working on a protoype component.
Andrew's employers were happy to support his activities at the school, which meant him being away from the office three hours a week for six months: "This project has taken up a lot of time but Perkins is happy to let me go because the project was devised by them and will benefit them". He adds "a lot of employers recognise and support STEMNET now, so working with them looks good on your CV and on your application to be a Chartered Engineer".
Andrew found the experience "a fantastic opportunity to gain team leading, people management and mentoring skills, which once again will help in my career development." Although he won't be running the project next year, as Perkins have a new graduate volunteer, Andrew is determined to keep up his outreach work and says: "everyone should definitely do it!"
