In November 2022 the Science Museum opened Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery to inspire young people aged 11–16 to consider technical careers across a range of industries. You and your organisation helped make this happen by either being featured on gallery, creating workshops that were delivered to schools or by chatting to our team sharing what your technician role entails.
An exciting opportunity has become available to continue the collaboration with you in the look out to find some more technicians that would be interested in sharing their stories with young people.
Where do you come in?
We are recruiting a team of people with technical backgrounds from a range of organisations to participate in authentic and engaging experiences that speak directly to the young people who visit the Science Museum. These experiences include hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions, delivered in the gallery by real technicians with support from our experienced Public Engagement Team. Your staff’s skills, knowledge and experiences could help young people imagine themselves in the role of a technician and or apprentice!
Our ask of you
Technicians/apprentices that sign up will participate in a free programme of training over 1.5 days. Working with local young people, they will build their confidence to share their experience, skills and the pivotal moments of their careers, with other young people. Facilitated by the Museum engagement team your technical staff will participate in careers-focused Q&A Sessions.
- The Q&A sessions will last 40-minutes and will be delivered to school groups and families
- Your staff will answer young people’s questions about your organisation, and their role as a technician and or apprentice.
- They will be able to sign up to 5 volunteering days across the academic term, reaching up to 180 students and their teachers each day
Find out more!
On Thursday 4th May from 17:00 – 18:30, we will be holding an Open Evening at Sci-Fi Lates! Here you can:
- Find out more about the exhibits, the stories that have been told and the role that you could play
- Take part in an interactive to give you an example of the Science Museum Group’s public engagement approach
- Meet some of the Science Museum Team that will be supporting you
- Ask any questions you may have
From 18:30, you are free to explore Sci-Fi Lates! Lates is an adults-only after hours event that gives you the chance to explore the museum at night, take part in themed activities and much more! So, expect lots of science-fiction themed fun, food and drink! You will also get a drinks voucher from us to use at Lates to get yourself a free drink.
If you would like to attend or know someone in your team that might be interested, then please do RSVP by emailing STEMVolunteers@sciencemuseum.ac.uk by Friday 28th April.
If you would like to find out more about the gallery and the programme, then please do read the further information below or do drop us an email with any questions you have.
Best wishes,
Technicians Programming Team
Further Info
Who is the programme for?
• Schools – booked education groups only in school termtime
• Family events – for family groups across school holidays
• Special events – programming during the summer holiday period
What will young people gain?
Young people will be able to imagine themselves in a role in a company such as yours through this programme. They will:
• Explore their skills and use their knowledge to work through the same tasks and challenges that technical staff face every day in their jobs.
• Work as part of a team in hands-on experiences using real tools.
• Ask staff the career questions they want answered.
What will you gain from this experience?
• Public speaking and presentation skills – your employees will be supported and trained to highlight their achievements, share knowledge and stories, and inspire young people.
• Experience of working directly with young people and trained learning professionals.
• Experience of working in a different environment, in a world-renowned institution and a national museum – contributing to your employees’ professional development and strengthening their loyalty to your company.
• Partnership building – connecting with schools, colleges and universities gives these institutions broader insight into your industry, opening up opportunities for you to shape the skills being taught to your future workforce.
• Networking opportunities – employees from a variety of different industries will be able to get to know one another and share experiences.
• Having fun, stepping out of their comfort zone and taking on a new challenge.