STEM careers are increasingly in-demand, and with good reason. These fields provide a range of opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets to make meaningful contributions to the world.
However, for many children, the idea of pursuing a career in STEM can be intimidating or unclear. That’s where experts like Laser Wire Solutions Mechanical Design Engineer, Liam Thomas come in. By sharing their experience and knowledge with young people, they can help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Recently, Liam was invited along to be interviewed by local school children to answer their burning questions about STEM, providing valuable insights and inspiring a new generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.
Liam started by asking the class what they thought an engineer is and what they think are the different types of engineers – and he wasn’t disappointed by the response.
“An engineer is someone who helps make things better” – one of the primary school children said.
The class then proceeded to name so many different types of engineers and how they help make things better, including robotic engineers, aerospace engineers, mechanical and design engineers just like Liam.
One of the first questions the class had for Liam was “Have you ever made any mistakes as an engineer?”
“I have made lots of mistakes.” Liam started “And it’s all about learning from your mistakes. One of the most of important things about being an engineer is to make mistakes”
The class also wanted to know what qualifications you need to become an engineer, and Liam explained “While maths and physics are both very important, being a good problem solver is equally as important…and enjoying playing with Lego” – which lots of the children said they also enjoyed, so it looks like we already have some budding engineers in the class!
The class had so many other questions for Liam during the interview, some which Liam found quite tricky to answer. But two questions Liam had no trouble answering were: “What’s the hardest part of being an engineer?”
“The hardest part is also the best part” he said, “Of all the jobs you do, you never know what’s going to happen next. Because you won’t always get things right straight away, and won’t always have the answer right the first time, but you keep trying to find the right answer”
And finally, we ended with a question from the deputy headteacher, who asked “Do you have any advice for budding engineers?”
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, everybody makes mistakes. Try it. If it doesn’t work, take the bits that do, and keep going until you find the right solution”. – A brilliant lesson for anyone, budding engineer or otherwise!
By taking the time to share his experience and knowledge, Liam not only provided valuable insights to young people but also inspired them to pursue careers and interests in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
At Laser Wire Solutions, we believe it is vital that we continue to invest in STEM education and support the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators. Whether it’s through Q&A sessions like these or other educational initiatives like work experience, we can help ensure that children have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in these critical fields.
Let’s continue to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals and build a brighter future for all!
