Former Engineer gives students insight into future careers

Engineering students were given a brilliant talk about different routes into the industry and what it is like to work as an engineer by STEM Ambassador Mike Tointon.

Mike, an ex-engineer himself, who has worked at Ford, Jaguar and Aston Martin, spoke virtually to two groups of students during an online Teams lesson and then took part in a Q&A session.

He talked about his experiences in the automotive engineering industry telling the students how he started out as an apprentice and how he progressed in his career.

A volunteer in the STEM Ambassador London Hub programme, Mike explained how a career in engineering can begin through studying at university or from securing an apprenticeship and gaining experience in the workplace while studying at college.

One student said: “It was a really good talk – Mike was inspiring because he has had a very interesting journey through his career and he gave us some valuable information and advice.”

The talk was arranged to coincide with the lead-up to National Careers Week and British Science Week, which are both celebrated in March.

Linda Hammond, Work Experience & Industry Placement Team Leader at Havering Colleges, said: “This was a perfect example to show how we are continuing in a different way with lessons during lockdown, making them interesting and different. There was a lot of interaction and engagement with the students who appreciated Mike giving his time to talk to them.”

STEM Ambassadors are volunteers with the National STEM Learning Network who offer their time and support to promote STEM subjects to young learners in a range of creative, practical and engaging ways. They help open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers.