This project addressed two particular priority areas; supporting the demand in schools for STEM activities and improving the employability of undergraduates in STEM subjects.

HEIs across the south west engage with schools and colleges in a range of outreach activities. In this work, Student Ambassadors play a key part as enthusiastic and capable role models; their participation in these programmes means that more students can be reached and ensures that the messages are delivered by people that the pupils can identify with. In turn, Student Ambassadors develop a wide range of skills through their participation in these activities; skills that are highly valued by employers. However, many Ambassadors fail to recognise the transferability of the skills they are developing; fail to recognise that their experiences as an Ambassador can provide them with evidence for the key skills and attributes that employers are looking for.

It was intended that this project would develop a sustainable approach to Ambassador training that would focus explicitly on the skills students acquire through their work in schools and colleges, and help them to articulate these in the context of a graduate job application.

The train the trainers, employability and review session materials were prepared collaboratively by Devon Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and Graphic Science (STEMNET contract holders) and the University of Exeter. In addition, one of the participating HEIs reviewed the proposed materials before they were put to use.

The STEM ambassador induction and employability training was delivered by DEBP and Graphic Science staff supported by STEM Ambassadors and University staff. HEIs, in collaboration with the DEBP, then delivered the “train the trainers” session. Lead students then trained up students in their own institutions to recognise their own skills and to deliver employability workshops for future students, thereby ensuring sustainability of the work. A range of case studies were produced capturing the experiences of students who had received the training and of project officers.

The final report and associated appendices for the project can be downloaded below: