What Are Things Made Of (WATMO)

4wardFutures (4FC) is a careers education charity who have developed the WATMO project to introduce learners from socio-economically deprived areas to the work that researchers, PhD students, apprentices, and engineers from STFC are doing to answer the question of "What are things made of?” and the real-world applications of this research.

The initial STFC SPARK Award supported project has completed and we have now extended the project through new funding from the Ogden Trust.

Their work is displayed in an Intergalactic Spaceship - Virtual Visitors Centre.

Many young people are not aware of the vast number and diversity of careers available, and the research carried out in this area. WATMO showcases these individuals and the work they do (YOU!).

-       Do you have an interesting/unique job that you would like to share with young people?

-       Have you achieved something really different to what you wanted to do when at school?

-       Do you have a varied and diverse career path?

-       Are you really excited and enthusiastic about your work and the new technology you use or are developing?

-       Do you want to share important career advice based on your own experiences?

Through sharing role models and showcasing ‘real people,’ together we can help young people improve their confidence and widen their knowledge about these career opportunities.

We are always seeking researchers, PhD students, apprentices and engineers who can spare a minimum of 3 - 4 hours of their time to engage with the project through a variety of different activities such as: participating in a school workshop, supporting content development, taking part in a webinar, creating talking head videos, or providing information for person profiles.

Through participating in workshops or webinars you could share with young people:

·         Your current work and career journey

·         What you and your colleagues have discovered about the questions of "What are things made of?

·         The technology that you are developing or using to carry out this research

·         Advice that you could give to young people who are interested in a career in this sector

You will be given the support you need to develop your confidence and skills which will allow you to share your passion and knowledge, and to talk about the journey you have followed in becoming a scientist, apprentice or engineer in a way that will inspire learners to want to follow similar career pathways.

As part of the project, young people will be set the challenge of a presentation or creating art-based visualisations of What are things Made of?

Their work will be displayed in an Intergalactic Spaceship - Virtual Visitors Centre.