Organisation Name:
Organisation's Cause(s):
Education & Learning
Location of voluntary activity:
York & North Yorkshire
When are volunteers needed:
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Education
Role description:
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is a professional body with 150k members worldwide who are mostly scientists and engineers and educational professionals. In the UK volunteer groups are organised into local networks and these volunteer opportunities are with the North Yorkshire Local Network (NYLN). The NYLN puts on talks and visits and educational outreach events to encourage younger people into technology careers. We do not go into schools, but rather we do participate in public events like York Festival of Ideas, Scarborough Engineering Week, Otley Science Fair and so on. Volunteers are likely to be working or retired from technical roles but do not need to be IET members. The volunteer group are friendly and supportive and nobody is asked to do more than they feel able. A typical volunteering event would be supporting a stand at a public event, organising a talk through personal contacts, setting up a visit to an interesting location (maybe your workplace) etc. Monthly meetings are held in person in Murton (York) and also by video link for those who cannot attend in person. A lift can usually be provided for people without transport. We are always on the lookout for new volunteers but in practical terms maybe 10 or 15 new volunteers would be a ideal at this time.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
Some appreciation of science or engineering at any level would be useful. Ability to work collaboratively in a small volunteer team. Ability to communicate and encourage people to see the value and opportunities in science and engineering careers. Willingness to organise things occasionally - such as a visit or a talk with support from other experienced volunteers.
Will there be a DBS check? No
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
Extend their personal and/or professional network. Meet people socially. Receive positive feeling from participation and encouraging people into engineering and STEM careers. Keep aware and up to date with local activity - keep in the loop.
How to get involved:
There is no formal application process. There will be a 2-way conversation to discuss 'fit' from both sides. It helps to be a member the IET or a related professional body but this is not actually necessary.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 31-12-2025