Volunteers Member News July 2019 24 Joseph completes the STEM engagement circle At school, STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) engagement activities provided the spark that ignited Joseph Murray’s interest in an engineering career. Now a Schools Liaison Officer, he’s creating the same opportunities for local children. Joseph works in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer for A J Power. It’s a busy and demanding role, so finding the time for his IET volunteering activities is challenging but nevertheless very rewarding. “I experienced a lot of STEM industrial engagement programmes at school and when I was studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Queen’s University, Belfast, so I know how powerful these activities can be in shaping young people’s career choices,” he said. “That’s why I volunteer as a Schools Liaison Officer. For me, the best bit about volunteering is knowing that I’ve made an impact. “As a Schools Liaison Officer and STEM Ambassador, I enjoy visiting primary schools to deliver STEM activities. But mainly I organise events and act as a conduit to support local STEM organisations’ events, like the Northern Ireland Science Festival.” One of the most successful events Joseph organised was the 2018 Christmas Lecture, aimed at primary school pupils. His fellow IET Northern Ireland Network members gave him a wealth of useful contacts and advice. And Joseph tapped into his own extensive network of STEM contacts to secure a brilliant venue – W5, Belfast’s interactive discovery centre – for the lecture and accompanying STEM exhibition. Joseph said: “We decided on a ‘Celebration of Space’ theme for the event, to align with the IET’s FIRST® LEGO® League initiative and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission. Having deliberately marketed it as a family event to encourage more parents to come along, we were delighted to welcome more than 150 adults and children. The feedback we received was fantastic.” You can read more about Joseph’s experiences as a School Liaison Officer on our website: theiet.org/meet-our-volunteers Here’s another way you can get involved in education in the UK School governors help set the strategic direction of schools, support and challenge the headteacher, and make sure that public money is well spent. Joining a governing board is a great way to contribute to your local community and develop your influencing skills. Schools also benefit from having experienced professionals share their skills and judgement. Education charity Governors for Schools connects skilled and committed professionals with schools that need governors, because it knows that highly effective governance is a key factor in ensuring strong school performance. England needs more school governors so we’re helping the charity to tackle the shortfall by promoting this fantastic volunteering opportunity to our members. To find out more, visit governorsforschools.org.uk Joseph Murray MIET, Schools Liaison Officer and STEM Ambassador