I was able to understand how chalk dissolution features are formed and the human factors that augment the features - Binali

The STEM placement students are sending us weekly blogs all about their experience in the world of work! 

Work experience is great and it provides students with many benefits whilst gaining skills and helping choose the right future career path for pupils. Having work experience on a Curriculum Vitae will make a person stand out to employers as they will notice they have motivation and a real passion for work. It will also help to boost a students confidence in themselves!

See how Binali's getting on at CGL! 

Week one -

"My first week at Card Geotechnics Limited has been very enjoyable. I have been able to explore a subject completely different to my A level subjects but relevant to the career I want to pursue which is engineering. 

This week; I was able to understand how chalk dissolution features are formed and the human factors that augment the features by reading research papers provided by my supervisor’s colleague.

 I was able to explore the different types of solutions and the site investigation techniques they use by looking at data from a current project they are working on in Dawes Hill. 

Furthermore, I was able to use the facilities at their library to find relevant textbooks and journals as part as my research. I also watched a documentary that explained all the basics on chalk geology to me and explained the effect of sinkholes.

Next week, I have planned to have a meeting with my supervisor to decide how I will structure my research into a report. I may also be able to go on a site visit and see the impact of the chalk dissolution features in real life."

                                                                                                                                             - Binali

Biodiversity Research - Work Experience - Thomas

See how Thomas is getting on with his Biodiversity project! He has created his own blog post - check it out!

http://biodiversityblog.yolasite.com/blog.php

Living Amongst The Stars By Dr Elaine Hickmott, Development Director, EH Enterprises

As a proud sponsor of SATRO’s upcoming STEMX Awards, I settled down to write this blog post with warmth in my heart and a smile on my face.

The mission of The STEMX Awards is to celebrate the wealth of STEM skills demonstrated by young people in the south east.  From apprenticeship successes to impactful work experience placements, we have our own constellation of STEM stars right here on our doorstep.  Why wouldn’t you want to celebrate that?!

In reality, and putting my inherent enthusiasm for STEM aside, there are many reasons why The STEMX Awards are important.  But which ones should I choose?  As I pondered for a while and did a bit of research my thoughts began to crystallise thanks to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s report, The UK STEM Education Landscape.

So here, in no particular order, are my top three reasons why The STEMX Awards are so valuable...

Perception:  Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are part of our everyday lives and contribute to prosperous societies and economies.  The skills developed through STEM fuel innovation; they are in demand now and will be in the future; they launch and sustain careers that make a difference to the world.  By celebrating the contribution of young people to this STEM-tastic mix, The Awards help influence public perception, smash stereotypes and encourage engagement at a human level.

Pathways:  The routes taken to achieve career success are different from person to person.  People change disciplines and roles, take on a range of responsibilities as they evolve and explore new experiences.  SATRO’s STEMX Awards demonstrate this perfectly by taking a holistic view of STEM and showcasing a plethora of pathways to dynamic, fulfilling STEM careers.  Real people; real stories; real life.

Progression:  The Awards bring together young people setting off on their STEM adventures and people in STEM-based or STEM-related professions.  All of them are using skills linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a variety of ways to develop rewarding careers.  This sends out a message to communities far and wide; whoever you are, whatever your aspirations, STEM subjects and careers enable progression into an amazing array of opportunities.

Recognising and celebrating our STEM talent, as well as those who support them, is valuable and worthwhile. SATRO’s STEMX Awards give us the chance to highlight their achievements and raise awareness at the same time.  Plus we get to have some fun too of course. 

So as I bring this blog post to a close, the smile on my face is wider and the warmth in my heart is greater.  Yes, it truly is an inspiring place to be; living amongst the stars.

By Dr Elaine Hickmott, Development Director, EH Enterprises