Supporting STEM Days: Why It’s More Than Just Education
Our Service Manager, Chris Mosley, reflects on his involvement in Ambic’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Days with the finalists of the 2024 STEM Challenge.
I’ve always been passionate about engaging with the next generation of engineers, so when I got the chance to support two full days of STEM events, I was all in. Over those two days it was truly rewarding to see students from five primary schools and three senior schools dive into real-world challenges.
One thing that really stood out was how quickly these students got stuck into the tasks. They were asked to solve engineering problems, including everything from design to material costs and timescales. It was incredible to see how capable they were, especially under pressure.
There was one team in particular that was flying through their project – they were really on top of everything. So, to keep things interesting, we threw them a curveball. I told them, “We’ve just had a call from the client, and they want to change part of the brief.” You should have seen their faces! But what impressed me most was how they handled it. They quickly rethought their design, adjusted for material costs, and revised their timelines without missing a beat. It was a real insight into how adaptable and sharp these young minds are.
Throughout the event, I made it a point to give the students as much real-world experience as possible. I wanted them to see not just what tools we use in engineering, but why we use them and how they fit into the bigger picture. That kind of context is so important for understanding the challenges and complexities of engineering, and I think it’s what makes initiatives like the STEM Challenge so valuable.
For me, supporting events like this isn’t just about education – it’s about building a legacy. At IMH, we’ve always believed in giving back through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, and being part of the STEM Challenge is one way we do that. It’s more than just showing students what we do; it’s about fostering their curiosity and ambition, encouraging them to think bigger and bolder about their futures.
Now that I’m part of the Senior Management Team and overseeing training and quality at IMH, I’m even more committed to pushing these kinds of projects forward. Seeing how much the students learned and how they adapted to challenges reinforced just how important it is for us to stay involved in nurturing future talent.
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