Two AES Solar engineers are developing their work with young people and education. Stuart Engelmann and Keith Esson will be working on different projects each designed to help young people and their choices regarding future employment.
Stuart, project manager with AES Solar will be working with Career Ready, a national charity partnering with schools, local authorities and employers to help young people become career ready. The initiative will roll out across Moray when Stuart, along with other mentors will meet the students they will support over the next two years.
Engineering a future
Speaking of the project, Stuart (24) said: “I’m very excited to be involved with Career Ready. To begin with I’ll be getting to know the student and perhaps helping them with their revision plans. I’ll support them in how to work in the best way, with their CV and their personal statement for university.
“They will also get the opportunity to work with me for four weeks in the summer giving them a real taste of working life. We will also do mock interviews to prepare them for that side of the working environment. I wish there has been a scheme like this, when I was looking at my career options.”
He added: “I was educated in Forres and want to be able to show young people there are good jobs in Moray. I moved straight back to Forres after graduating with a BEng (Hons) in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Edinburgh Napier University. I got my job with AES Solar through the ScotGrad placement scheme. It’s very important that we retain, well-educated young people so Moray develops as a hub for business and enterprise. It will also be a valuable lesson for me and will help develop my skills for future roles.”
Mentoring
Susan Macpherson, regional manager for Career Ready said: “We are delighted that AES Solar will be supporting Career Ready. We have 50 mentors from 26 companies preparing to meet the student they will be supporting on their “Career Ready” journey over the next two years.
“Career Ready is a national charity partnering with schools, local authorities and employers to help young people become career ready. They will also attend a series of masterclasses during their 5th and 6th year at school. The programme can be transformational for both students and mentors.”
STEM ambassador
Meanwhile, Keith Esson has become an ambassador with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). STEM is geared toward people who work in these industries. The volunteer ambassadors aim to inspire young people to become interested in STEM subjects and their future in a STEM industry.
Keith got involved in the initiative after Debbie Mathers, STEM Ambassador Co-ordinator supported AES Solar with their Interactive Science Tent at Piping at Forres in June.
He said: “I studied Renewable Energy at the University of Dundee as I have always been interested in STEM subjects. I wanted to be able apply these technologies in a sustainable way. I joined the STEM program after organising and hosting the AES Interactive Science Tent at Piping At Forres. It was great fun running the tent and talking to children and young people about all the technologies on offer. Debbie was a massive support and brought an army of volunteers. Before I knew it I was attending the STEM Ambassador Induction, just a few weeks later.”
He added: “I believe that a world with more scientists and engineers can only be a good thing.”
Debbie Mathers, STEM Ambassador Co-ordinator said: “It is great to have Keith involved in the programme. Not only a role model he will also show there are opportunities in the local community with small yet innovative companies. We are always looking for more volunteers in Moray so it’s great to have him as part of the team.”
She added: “STEM Ambassadors aim to inspire young people to pursue STEM subjects, it’s a rewarding experience becoming a STEM Ambassador. You can meet lots of interesting people, gain confidence, develop presentation skills and have fun.”
