Insights from our Inspire Engineering webinar
In March 2022, we hosted our Virtual Inspire Engineering Days for Key Stage 3 (KS3) students, which, to coincide with British Science Week, explored the theme of ‘Growth’. Pupils met a panel of incredible STEM Ambassadors from Transport for London (TfL), took a deep dive into the wonders of STEM and learnt about the different jobs that help to move London forward safely, inclusively and sustainably.
Andrew Hyman, Outreach Manager at TfL, kick-started the webinar, sharing the “light bulb moments” that have greatly shaped his “personal growth”. In his presentation, Andrew made clear that skills growth is at the top of the agenda for Transport for London and talked about how analysts and data scientists can best leverage data to drive informed business decisions. He explained the importance of defining clear problem statements, doing root cause analysis to identify the underlying reasons why the problem occurred and selecting the most effective ways of presenting data and information to help others make the best decisions. As a part of his role, Andrew brings the latest innovative thinking from academia to help TfL better answer complex business questions about travel in London. When they visit schools, he and his colleagues focus on explaining the hidden technology and data that are so paramount to keep London moving.
After Andrew’s presentation, we asked our STEM Ambassadors, Helen, Pallav and Barnaby, to share some career insights and answer three key questions. We asked, How will sustainability shape and change the future?
Sustainability will encourage engineers to look at solutions that will last longer, be easier to maintain and be made of materials that can be recycled. This may also means we look at providing physical or digital (or both) tools that can help us better understand the condition of the things we maintain so we can plan activities to make them last longer. - Barnaby
To be successful in STEM roles, what key skills should young people develop?
Communication - to make great ideas happen you’ll need to convince others with evidence, logic and making it relevant. Data management - being able to keep good records, collect and manipulate data to be able to obtain information, which can help you to understand the problem, develop appropriate solutions and tell the story. More generally, carbon footprinting - being versant in terminology and methodologies that look at the carbon (and greenhouse gas equivalent) impact of all aspects of life or work. And finally, programming and cyber security. - Helen
What does your job entail and what real-life impact does it have?
My job is to ensure the technology for efficient and smooth running of traffic systems and roadworks in London is always updated and is ready for the future. Technological solutions allow minimum traffic disruption and ensure that any disruption is anticipated and resolved in a smart manner. - Pallav
In the final Q&A, the KS3 students in the audience had a chance to ask direct questions to our STEM Ambassadors, such as, Are there jobs that don’t exist yet in the industry that are in the works? and, What subjects did you choose at school? Lots of the students will be choosing their subjects soon!
Watch the recording of our Inspire Engineering webinar to find out how the STEM Ambassadors answered these questions.
The session was a huge success, with over 330 students joining us at this digital event! More importantly, it created an interactive space where children and adults could have a conversation about the important role that Transport for London has in shaping the future of our city.
If you’re a teacher looking to inspire your students to explore STEM careers, you can:
- Find out all about the Museum’s virtual and onsite programmes for Key Stage 3
Come see us at Skills London in the Autumn
Check out the careers section of Transport for London’s website and register for updates
Request a STEM Ambassador to support your upcoming school events