Ways to inspire the future generation
How can we champion engineering and technology through your people, projects and purpose? There are lots of ways to get involved!
Volunteering with EngineeringUK
Get hands on inspiring the next generation of engineers and technologists. From sharing your story in case studies to helping deliver the UK's largest STEM inspiration events, we have opportunities to suit everyone.
Who can help us?
Our research shows young people find it easy to identify with early career professionals, apprentices and university students who are just starting their career. People early in their career are relatable.
We also want to show the sector is welcoming of everyone, no matter their background. So we’re keen for those currently underrepresented in engineering and tech to get involved. Women, people from UK minority ethnic groups, people with a disability, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and those from lower socioeconomic groups should apply!
Whether you're in work, a student, or retiree, your time and expertise can shape the future of STEM.
Get involved
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An in-person opportunity. Bring STEM to life at the UK's largest STEM fair in June 2025. Join more than 200 volunteers who inspire 20,000 young people by supporting 50+ STEM stands and exhibitors.
Careers guidance
- Event support and activities
- Evaluation assistance
What’s in it for you?- Meet and inspire the next generation – and let them inspire you!
- Support CPD or personal objectives
- Network and connect at the Volunteer Hub
- Raise your profile
Key dates
- The Big Bang Fair, NEC Birmingham, 17 to 19 June 2025
Commitment
1 to 3 days
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We’re looking for STEM experts and leaders in their field. Help celebrate and nurture young talent by being a judge for the Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition. This is an online role.
What you'll do
- Evaluate projects based on creativity, problem-solving, and leadership – competitors submit written or video entries
- Provide actionable, positive feedback to inspire competitors
Role specification
- STEM background – work or study
- Able to give constructive feedback in age-appropriate and accessible way
- Impartial
What’s in it for you?
- A rewarding opportunity to mentor young innovators
- Volunteer training and skills development
- CPD or personal/professional development
Key dates
- Judging takes place between 2 and 10 April 2025. Review 4 to 8 projects, at your own pace
Commitment
Around 8 hours
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Local in-person opportunities. Engage with students directly in your community through structured workshops, classroom activities, and longer-term projects.
What you'll do
- Deliver STEM outreach to meet your organisation’s objectives
- Facilitate career workshops and STEM activities
- Support project work and awards celebrations
What’s in it for you?
- Raise the profile of your organisation
- Make a tangible impact in your local area
- Contribute to social mobility by being a relatable STEM role model
- Personal development
Key dates
Big Bang at School activities happen throughout the year
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Are you working in decarbonisation, energy, or sustainable development? Share your expertise to inspire students through role model profiles, school talks, or project support.
What you'll do
- Give schools a role model profile for students to study
- Deliver a talk at your school
- Support long-term Climate Action Clubs
What’s in it for you?
- Training and resources will be given
- Be part of a collective showcasing the varied pathways into engineering and sustainability
- Make climate change solutions relatable and actionable for young people – really make a difference
- Personal development
Key dates
Term time and after school clubs
Commitment
- Varies, depending on the opportunity
- DBS required
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Support half or full day workshops to spark interest in engineering careers. Join students in person or virtually to answer their questions and share your journey. Energy Quest is currently running in Scotland, Wales as well as the East and West Midlands with funding from Volvo.
What you'll do
Volunteers are matched with a delivery partner. You’ll help students be inspired by your role and experience. There are options to visit the classroom or interact with young people online, to suit you.
What’s in it for you?
- Build confidence and curiosity in STEM among students
- Gain valuable personal development and training
Key dates
Term time
Commitment
- Minimum half a day
- DBS required
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Neon brings together the best engineering experiences and careers resources to help teachers bring STEM to life. It features real-world examples to inspire young people through workshops, visiting speakers, competitions, events and trips. So if you run an inspiring engineering or tech experience, think of Neon as your shop window!
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Our Corporate Members and the Code community get the first chance to contribute to this annual conference. There are lots of opportunities to speak – either as a keynote or session host, and more! Recruitment starts around September and the event takes place in February.
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The Code community benefit from a programme of webinars and access to resources to support the design, development and delivery of STEM outreach activities. Can you showcase your experiences to inspire?
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An annual campaign each November to showcase the breadth and wealth of engineering and technology careers. Take part through video journeys, panel discussions, testimonials and more to inspire the next generation. All the info you need will be provided including a toolkit, graphics, suggested social media content and more.
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Empower the next generation with climate solutions. We’ve designed Tackling Climate Change to inspire students into green careers. STEM Ambassadors and Climate Ambassadors can deliver Tackling Climate Change in their local schools. Not an ambassador? No problem! You can register as an Ambassador free of charge through STEM Learning (see below).
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Join a network of thousands of amazing volunteers to bring real-life examples of STEM careers into schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. STEM Ambassadors help break stereotypes and offer engaging activities to inspire the next generation into the infinite possibilities of STEM pathways.
Exclusive opportunities for our Corporate Members
Rewarding roles and exclusive access
Our Corporate Members enjoy many benefits, including early access to our key activities.
The Big Bang Fair
Our wonderful Corporate Members get the first opportunity to register to volunteer at The Big Bang Fair. The volunteer window opens soon! We'll let you know when you can apply.
Judge submissions to The Big Bang Competition
STEM experts working for a Corporate Member get early access to volunteer as an online judge.
Become a Corporate Member
Join our network of valued Members to promote the breadth of opportunities and pathways into engineering and technology. Together we can help grow the future workforce.
