The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is committed to developing engineers and maximising the impact they have on society. Education and skills are inherent to the work of the institution and the support we offer engineers across their lifelong learning journey.
The IMechE actively encourages its members to get involved in education outreach, providing support at every step of the way with free training, educational resources and guidance.
Thousands of IMechE members volunteer across education outreach and it is the most popular volunteering choice for members. Getting involved in education outreach helps us to inform and inspire the next generation, in addition to enabling members to build their own skillset, local networks and talent pipeline for businesses. The combined impact of our outreach ensures the future of the profession and enables us to improve the world through engineering.
As part of its education outreach programme the IMechE provides free training to its members. Training has been coordinated by Jelena Gacesa, Education Outreach & Safeguarding Lead and will be delivered by Alexandra Knight and include specialist guest speakers and representatives from the IMechE’s network of Regional Education Officers.
In 2024 we will provide hybrid training options and each session will focus on a different element of education outreach. The training will include a mix of presentation and discussion, as well as hands on practical activities. The CPD trainings provide the opportunity for members to engage and learn from each other, as well as develop their skillset.
Three training sessions will run online via 1-hour live Zoom webinars and each session will be recorded. The online training is open to members at all levels of experience and is not exclusive to STEM Ambassadors.
We are looking to provide additional support to engage more Young Members and as such will be hosting three dedicated all-day in person workshops for IMechE Young Members. The workshops will take place in London and Glasgow.
The IMechE Safeguarding Policy, STEM at Home range, Education order form and STEM Toolkit webpages will be referred to throughout the trainings and we would encourage you to use these valuable resources.
Wednesday 24 April Online 18:00 - 19:00 Become a STEM Ambassador Join us for this interactive online webinar to learn more about the process for becoming a STEM Ambassador and getting involved in IMechE education outreach activities in 2024. Relevant for any members considering doing Education Outreach with little or no experience, but we also welcome more experienced STEM Ambassadors to hear about opportunities to grow your public engagement skills and toolkit.
Wednesday 22 May Online 18:00 - 19:00 Inclusive STEM Outreach At this interactive online session we will hear from a range of experienced STEM Ambassadors that focus on Education Outreach for SEND children (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to learn how to ensure inclusion is at the core of our engagement. We will include top tips and ideas to help you build your inclusive STEM Outreach toolkit.
Wednesday 25 September Online 18:00 - 19:00 Pitching Engineering to Primary School children How do you pitch engineering and what you do in your job to an 8 year old? Join us for this interactive online session where you will learn top tips for delivering an inspiring message to any age of children, and get to practice refining your engineering pitch! Hear from a Primary and Secondary school teacher about how to make this relevant to the National Curriculum and leave a positive impact on the young people.
Wednesday 10 July In-person, IMechE HQ, 11:00 - 16:00 Young Members STEM Ambassador Training Join us for this in-person workshop to maximise your effectiveness as a STEM Ambassador. We will cover how to communicate your message "Improving the World through Engineering” via various facilitated exercises and practice hands-on STEM activities you can deliver to leave young people feeling inspired. Relevant for STEM Ambassadors with any level of experience and members who are considering getting involved in education outreach to give back whilst levelling-up their own public engagement skills and confidence, and gaining valuable experience relevant for Chartership.
Wednesday 16 October In-person, Brunel University London, 12:30 - 17:30 IMechE STEM Ambassador Workshop Join us for this in-person workshop to learn how to become a STEM Ambassador, and how these skills and experience will benefit your engineering career and progress towards Chartership. We will cover how to communicate your message "Improving the World through Engineering” via various facilitated exercises and practice hands-on STEM activities you can deliver to leave young people feeling inspired. Relevant for STEM Ambassadors with any level of experience and members who are considering getting involved in education outreach to give back whilst levelling-up their own public engagement skills and confidence, and gaining valuable experience relevant for Chartership.
Thursday 24 October In-person, Glasgow University, (TBC) IMechE STEM Ambassador Workshop Join us for this in-person workshop to learn how to become a STEM Ambassador, and how these skills and experience will benefit your engineering career and progress towards Chartership. We will cover how to communicate your message "Improving the World through Engineering” via various facilitated exercises and practice hands-on STEM activities you can deliver to leave young people feeling inspired. Relevant for STEM Ambassadors with any level of experience and members who are considering getting involved in education outreach to give back whilst levelling-up their own public engagement skills and confidence, and gaining valuable experience relevant for Chartership.