A Exeter City Council engineer has been recognised for helping young people into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.
Andrew Finch, who works for Exeter City Council, as a Senior Engineer, has been recognised for his volunteer work as a STEM Ambassador, after getting students from Exeter College involved in an engineering project to repair a collapsed wall in the city.
Andrew won the Recognising Excellence in Volunteering in South West 2024-25 award. The awards are organised by Graphic Science Ltd, who are the STEM Ambassador Programme Delivery Partner in the South West.
When a wall collapsed in Countess Wear Road, Exeter, Andrew invited civil engineering students from Exeter College to observe and learn from the rebuild.
Crestmoor Construction carried out the repair and under Exeter City Council policy and a clause in the contract were asked to provide social value and give something back to the community.
That’s where Andrew brought in the college students, who were briefed on the scheme and visited the construction site to meet engineers and get a feel for the project.
Jeanette Doherty of Exeter College, said the students were able to learn engineering techniques directly from engineers as well as project management, planning and the materials involved in the scheme. The students were given access to design drawings and site photos as well as visiting the project site to see the solutions implemented.
Praising Andrew’s role in getting students involved, the citation read: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to learn about the impact your time as a STEM volunteer has had over the past year. Thank you so much for everything you have done to enable young people across South West England to access STEM opportunities.”
Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, said: “I am delighted for Andrew who has gone above and beyond to get the students involved and help nurture and create the engineers of the future. I tip my hard hat to Andrew and his fantastic achievement!”
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