Educational charity Techniquest is looking for volunteers to support its Science Capital project.
The Cardiff Bay-based science discovery centre has launched a volunteer programme to deepen its engagement and offerings with a new diverse audience.
With the mission of making science accessible to all, the volunteer programme is the first of its kind for the charity.
In its first wave, Techniquest is hoping to attract up to ten volunteers to support its Engagement & Partnerships, Marketing and Content teams.
The new volunteers will receive an induction, training and uniforms, as well as TEMPO time credits and invitations to Techniquest’s community days.
Volunteers will also be able to sign up to the nationally recognised STEM Ambassadors scheme, which aims to support routes into employment and enhance STEM skills.
With construction for its Science Capital project now underway, the charity is ramping up its efforts to extend and diversify audiences.
Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Techniquest, said: “This is an exceptionally exciting time for Techniquest as we develop our offering and look to engage the community in our mission of making science accessible to all.
“Through various methods of engagement, Techniquest will become a centre that reflects the diversity of our visitors. We want audiences to continue their learning at all ages and are therefore seeking to show how STEM is relevant to everyone’s lives.
“Our volunteer programme will help us enhance our service offering, while also supporting the development of STEM skills in an innovative and rewarding way.
“We want to hear from people of all walks of life who want to volunteer their time, try something new, gain news skills, meet new people, be part of a fun environment or simply further their interest in science.”
With a shortfall in the number of STEM graduates and apprentices for roles, it is hoped that the volunteer programme will also inspire and encourage more young people to pursue a STEM career.
Mrs Kirkpatrick continued: “We will need one million new scientists, engineers, technicians and mathematicians in the UK by 2020 so STEM based skills are crucial. We know we have an important role to play in this and it is hoped that our new volunteer programme will help inspire more young people to choose a career in science, technology, engineering and maths.”
Those interested in finding out more or joining the programme are encouraged to visit https://www.techniquest.org/support-us/engagement/volunteering/