Do you work in construction and want to inspire others? The Go Construct STEM Ambassador Scheme is the perfect way to share your passion and promote the rewarding careers our sector offers.
Here are the top 10 reasons to get involved.
1. Improve your employability skills
Ambassadors are involved in a wide range of activities, and carrying these out not only helps build on your current skills, but crucially, can help you learn new ones.
The scheme gives you complete control over the activities you complete. You can choose to deliver a careers talk, which builds your presentation and communication skills, lead a practical group session to boost your teamworking and organisational skills, or provide some one-on-one mentoring to help grow your confidence.
These are all skills which are highly sought after by employers across the industry and building them can help improve your own employability. You are helping others while building a career - win, win!
2. Help change perceptions of the industry
Being a Go Construct STEM Ambassador is much more than just talking about your job - it’s also about challenging outdated perceptions of construction.
Construction is a vibrant, rewarding industry with a diverse range of career options. Young people tend to be more open with Ambassadors, and you can utilise that to understand how they perceive the industry and shape their views.
Construction has more women, people from LGBTQ+, black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds working in it than ever before, encompassing roles across the alphabet, from Access Floorers to Wood Machinists, and this is the reality you can help present to young people.
3. Inspire the next generation of construction workers
This is arguably the most important reason and biggest benefit of becoming an Ambassador.
Ambassadors showcase construction careers but also represent the real people who make up the industry. Hearing first-hand experiences is one of the most effective ways to inspire, and sharing your story is a wonderful way to put a face to the industry for young people.
Not everyone has a role model in their family or school who sparks an inspiration in them for what they want to do with their lives, and you may well become that person when you spend time sharing your story with others.
4. Build your confidence
Whether you’re relatively new to your chosen career or a seasoned professional, many tasks within the workplace can still be nerve-wracking experiences.
Thankfully, much of what you do as an Ambassador can be applied to a work setting. Activities such as delivering presentations and answering questions can improve your confidence in doing similar activities at work.
5. Become part of a community
There are thousands of Ambassadors across the wider STEM Learning programme. By joining this community, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, network with industry professionals and build a support system.
Being part of a wider community of like-minded people working towards a common goal really helps foster a communal spirit, while also helping your own career by networking with members across the industry.
6. Work on issues that are important to you
Are you particularly passionate about encouraging more underrepresented groups into the industry? Or perhaps you’re keen to highlight the role construction can play in creating a better world around us?
As an Ambassador you can do exactly that. You can choose what you do and where, from speaking at specialist events to delivering targeted workshops.
Being an Ambassador is all about exploring your passions and sharing that energy with others.
7. Continue your professional development
When you enrol as a STEM Ambassador you gain access to the STEM Learning training hub, which provides training and induction materials, as well as resources which can assist with continuous professional development (CPD). The materials help you deliver activities, while also supporting your own CPD by giving you vitally important workplace skills and experiences.
If you’re working towards the next level of professional registration in your field, being an Ambassador is a great way to prove your commitment. Institutions often look for their members to enhance the reputation of the profession, which is perfectly demonstrated by acting as an Ambassador.
8. Build your CV
The Go Construct scheme is highly regarded by employers throughout the industry, with many actively participating in it. After all, encouraging the next generation into construction is a huge benefit to them.
If you’re looking to land your dream role, being an Ambassador is a fantastic addition to your CV which can help set you apart from the rest. It is an extracurricular activity which demonstrates the passion you have for construction, as well as displaying skills such as presentation, organisation and teamwork, all of which are highly coveted by employers.
9. Give back to your local community and schools
Think back to your time at school and there was likely a teacher who particularly captured your imagination, and maybe even played a part in the current career path you’re leading.
Acting as an Ambassador is the perfect way to give something back to the place which gave you a positive experience. It helps raise the aspirations of those within it while developing stronger ties with the company you’re representing and the local community.
10. Get a sense of personal satisfaction
Last but certainly not least, the sense of personal satisfaction you will feel when inspiring others is incredibly powerful.
The feedback and appreciation you will receive from teachers, youth group co-ordinators and employers really gives you a huge personal boost. As an Ambassador you will have a successful impact on young people in shaping their decisions at such an important part of their life, and that is a very rewarding feeling.
It’s also a great opportunity for personal reflection, looking back at what you’ve achieved and realising how far you’ve come.
Go Construct STEM Ambassadors form a vital part of the industry and are greatly appreciated by all those within it.