Inspiring the next generation of learners through STEM in schools

Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) team has been working in local schools for over 16 years. For us, its members truly embody our values, working in our community to help inspire school children on these essential topics. Their passion is infectious and so we spoke to members of the team to find out more about what their work means to them.  

It's like magic – but real!

Each week, members of the STEM team take it in turns to work with a local primary school, running the Imagineering Club at Stukeley Meadow, and hosting one-off STEM events.

As well as spending time in the classroom, every year, we host an open day at Xaar's Huntingdon factory, giving children an authentic insight into working in manufacturing.

“We want to show them that science is like magic, but real,” says Senior Equipment Engineer Robin Hough, who has been a Xaar STEM ambassador for over 5 years. “We get to show them real-world engineering problems. They are taught science, technology, engineering and maths at school, and we help bring them together as one topic. This is what our STEM days are for, a flavour of the exciting world of engineering.”

Rewriting what it means to work in engineering

“The team has helped the children build a whole host of working products from mini aeroplanes to robotic ducks,” explains Robin. “We make the absolute most out of each hour. There are five different projects a term, like the Xaar Car and lessons on using soldering irons safely. And of course, they get to take all their projects home!”

Creativity lies at the heart of Xaar and our Imagineering Club does a fantastic job of making every session a reflection of that. “The children love our practical tasks – we encourage them to have a go at working out the engineering solution themselves,” says Design Engineer Paul Hodgson, who designed the Xaar car. “My job means taking an idea and seeing it through to reality. Engineering can be so much more creative than children first think.”

“It's an invaluable experience for students to visit factories at such a young age,” says Will Scott, Process Engineer at Xaar, when asked about the open days for both primary and secondary students. “I started learning engineering when I was 13, and I never had the chance to visit a factory until I started working. Xaar’s manufacturing HQ is so different from the kind they would see on TV. It’s bright, clean and airconditioned; we want to rewrite what it means to work in engineering.”

The biggest reward is seeing the children’s enthusiasm

Feedback isn't always quantifiable, but that's what makes our STEM work so fulfilling. Senior Process Engineer Helen Kirby, the driving force behind our Imagineering Club with 25 years of STEM expertise, adds: “The biggest reward is seeing the children’s enthusiasm grow. They’re always asking if they can have two hours instead! We get so much thanks at the end of each session, and I was even given handmade earrings by one of the students. It’s lovely moments like these that make being on the STEM team unforgettable.”

The students are the heart of our STEM sessions, so it’s only right we put them in the driving seat. “We’re always using student feedback to improve upon our sessions,” says Paul. “They decide how we best use the STEM kits, the session material and the practical tasks. Our content is ever-changing to suit them.”

A world of incredible opportunities

Introducing STEM careers as early as primary school opens young eyes to a world of incredible opportunities outside university. “Years later, I've come across students we once taught in primary school during secondary school STEM trips. Very few things are as rewarding as that,” shares Helen Clifton, Learning and Development Manager at Xaar. “Watching them now pursue careers in engineering is one of the greatest honours. It’s proof that what we’re doing isn’t just a fun, hands-on way to learn; it’s actually shaping futures and changing the lives of so many young people.”

“All the students we teach have chosen to take part in the class,” adds Will. “We have about 15 children per session, so it’s great to see so many faces taking the learning and running with it. It’s brilliant that so many boys and girls are inspired and interested by STEM.”

An important part of STEM is inspiring all children to be involved, and our STEM sessions work hard on this. “STEM is for everyone,” Helen Kirby adds. “Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a future in STEM. I've worked with so many kids who don't have the opportunity to discuss careers at home, and that’s exactly why these sessions are so important – to bridge that gap and open doors to possibilities they might not otherwise see.”

A melting pot of experience

Passion is infectious, but so is learning as our Imagineering Club has shown over its 16 years.

“At first, I was worried about keeping students’ attention and finding ways to engage them,” says Paul, who has completed his first year with the STEM team. “Now, I see so many hands shoot up whenever I give a talk. I love it when they fire questions at me; it makes me glad that my enthusiasm for engineering rubs off on them.”

“We have such a well-rounded team; it’s a melting pot of experience. Everyone has something different to offer,” adds Will. “I’m only two years out of education myself, so I feel I can really associate with the children involved. I don’t want to seem like a teacher, as we all have something to learn.”

As proof of the STEM team’s success, so many Xaar employees are eager to step up and share their unique experiences as STEM ambassadors. “Just two years ago, we had very few STEM ambassadors, but now we’re witnessing an incredible surge of enthusiasm from people across Xaar,” says Robin. “Anyone with a passion for sharing their knowledge and experiences can be a part of this exciting journey!”

Continuing to drive STEM at Xaar

At Xaar, we know that positive change today impacts the people of tomorrow. The STEM team is already witnessing the spark of budding careers ignited by our efforts. “Seeing students eventually join the world of engineering is the ultimate evidence that shows what we do matters,” says Helen Clifton. “Nothing beats seeing STEM students thrive upon the passions we helped them find.”

Innovation and progress lie at the heart of Xaar, and our STEM team is no exception. We have a roadmap of progress with an end goal of reaching as many students as possible. “In the near future, we have plans to go to different schools that don’t yet have STEM opportunities,” says Will. “While we’re incredibly proud of the success of our Imagineering Club, we’re just getting started. Our goal is to expand our reach and impact as many schools as we can!”

The enthusiasm and innovation of our STEM team inspire us daily, and we’re incredibly excited to see where their journey will take them next. We look forward to celebrating their achievements as they impact the next generation of students and inspire our fantastic group of STEM leaders.