P & M for STEM is our long term outreach programme that connects P & M colleagues with local primary schools to inspire children aged 7 to 9 through hands on science and engineering activities. Delivered through our partnership with Stemazing and the Stemazing Inspiration Academy, it trains P & M women in STEM to run a four week programme in schools, giving young learners positive role models, building confidence, and showing how STEM links to real life and future careers. We are pleased to announce the next cohort of two colleagues joining the Inspiration Academy, April Williams and Chantel Short, who will help us extend the programme’s reach and help us encourage the next generation of STEM workers.
P & M for STEM grew out of our partnership with Stemazing. The award-winning social enterprise was established to increase inclusion and diversity in STEM industries by empowering women in STEM and inspiring primary school children through visible role models and interactive learning. Our involvement began when colleagues joined the Stemazing Inspiration Academy, a programme that builds skills and confidence in science communication and self development, before participants deliver a four week online STEM programme for children aged 7 to 9. What started as individual colleagues volunteering their time has since evolved into P & M for STEM, our dedicated internal network that coordinates activity, builds stronger relationships with schools, and helps us scale long term community engagement as part of our wider social impact strategy.
This next chapter is being shaped by two new recruits, April Williams and Chantel Short, who are joining the Inspiration Academy as the latest P and M for STEM cohort. Their decision to step forward tells you a lot about what the programme is really designed to do. It is not only about delivering experiments in classrooms. It is about confidence, representation and widening horizons, for children and for our own people.
The Academy Journey
Over the coming weeks, our two latest role models will complete a structured programme of online training sessions that build confidence and skills in STEM communication, before delivering a four week STEM programme for children aged 7 to 9. The delivery stage involves four sessions, each with a different experiment and theme, designed to get pupils thinking, testing and problem solving through hands on activities that bring science and engineering to life.
Firewall Estimator April Williams signed up to P & M for STEM to communicate the art of the possible. She has a 15 year old daughter with learning difficulties and wants to demonstrate to her and other young people who may not always find learning easy that challenge does not equal limitation.
“I feel it is important for her to know that whoever you are and the challenges you face you can do what you want to do. I want her to grow up believing she has choices and that she can aim high.”
April’s own experience shows why early encouragement matters so much. She says:
“I was working on cars with my Dad from the age of three, so I have always been practical and interested in how things work. But at school I was not supported with that, and I was never made to feel that a career in STEM was an option for me. Looking back, it is exactly the kind of message that can limit what you think you can do.”
Multiple Benefits
April’s decision to join the programme is also about stepping into a more visible role. The Inspiration Academy is designed to support that, with weekly training that helps participants develop their confidence, learn how to communicate STEM concepts clearly, and practise engaging young audiences. By the time delivery starts, the aim is that each participant feels equipped to lead a class and make learning fun, accessible and memorable.
She says: “I feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. I have not done anything like this before, but I know it is going to be worth it.”
The programme uses experiments and activities that get children thinking and testing ideas for themselves. It is designed to be engaging and high energy because confidence grows when children feel safe to have a go, get something wrong, and try again.
“I have seen the sorts of experiments I will be delivering. Anything that pops and bangs gets the attention of young children. Once you have their attention, you can get them curious.”
The experiments might be playful, but the underlying lessons are serious. Testing, observing, adapting, learning through trial and error. These are the building blocks of engineering thinking, and they matter well beyond STEM.
Expanding our Impact
P & M for STEM matters to us because it is a practical way to strengthen the communities we operate in while investing in the long term future of our sector. When colleagues like April and Chantel step into schools as visible role models, they help children connect classroom learning to real life and start to see engineering, construction and technical careers as achievable. That is social impact with substance, not a one off visit. It builds trust with local schools, creates continuity, and shows that we are prepared to put time and people behind the next generation.
It also strengthens our Group internally. The Inspiration Academy develops confidence, communication and leadership skills that transfer straight back into the workplace. Colleagues return with greater ability to explain, influence and engage, skills that matter in every role, from operational teams to estimating and project delivery. It reinforces a culture where people are supported to grow and where inclusion is made visible through action. Over time, that combination helps P & M attract and retain talent, build pride in the business, and play an active role in shaping the skills pipeline that our business and wider sector is so reliant on.