Exeter Engineer recognised at national awards for his work to inspire young people

Harry Beedham, a graduate engineer at global infrastructure services firm AECOM’s Exeter office, has been recognised at the STEM Inspiration Awards 2018 for his work to encourage young people to consider further science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) study and careers.

Since joining AECOM in 2017, Harry has become a STEM Learning Ambassador, regularly organising and attending STEM events to help inspire young people across the South West. He goes into schools to talk to pupils about STEM careers, including the different routes into STEM professions such as apprenticeships that are available in the region. As a panelist for a local Employers Enterprise Network in Exeter, Harry advises on how best to engage and inspire local pupils around STEM topics and presents to new graduates to encourage them to become STEM ambassadors. He is also helping to set up a placement scheme at AECOM’s Exeter office to provide engaging work placements for local students that will be rolled out in 2019.

Awarded a high commendation in the ‘outstanding new STEM Ambassador’ category, the judges said: “Harry Beedham has shown outstanding enthusiasm and commitment since joining the STEM Ambassador programme and is recognised for his outstanding work as a great role model.”

Harry studied civil engineering at Plymouth University and lives in Exeter. At AECOM he has worked on both nationally significant projects and a range of schemes in Devon, including cycleways in Plymouth, East Devon District Council’s new headquarters and other local authority facilities, as well as the redevelopment of Newton Abbot town centre.

On receiving his high commendation Harry said: “As an engineering graduate based in Devon I have the opportunity to help deliver local projects that will make a meaningful difference to the region. A career in STEM is really rewarding and I became an ambassador to show other young people in the area that STEM subjects can open up a world of possibilities. The STEM Learning Ambassador programme is a fantastic service for schoolchildren and I am delighted my work to promote STEM careers in the South West has been recognised at a national level.”

The STEM Inspiration Awards celebrate the individuals and organisations working to inspire young people in STEM subjects across the UK and are organised by STEM Learning – the largest provider of STEM education and careers support to schools, colleges and other groups working with young people across the UK. Harry was awarded a high commendation at a ceremony at the House of Lords in London.