Reflections on the Science Museum STEM Skills Fair 2025

QEPrize Ambassador, Stephen Halbert, with a student

QEPrize Ambassador, Stephen Halbert, with a student.


18 December 2025

Share:


[Left to right] Stephen Halbert, Emily Backhouse, Jenny Pinta, Susan McDonald and Ben Money-Coomes

In November we were delighted to support the Science Museum’s 2025 STEM Skills Fair, an event for students aged 11–16. In advance of the fair, QEPrize Ambassadors took part in training delivered by the Science Museum to ensure they were fully prepared to engage, inspire, and interact confidently with young visitors.

Students attending the Skills Fair participated in two interactive sessions: Meet the Employer and an Honest Q&A.

During Meet the Employer, QEPrize Ambassadors showcased their expertise through the 30-Second Trophy Challenge, a hands-on activity using the QEPrize 3D Design Studio app. Working alongside the QEPrize Ambassadors, students completed a short design challenge while hearing first-hand about the skills engineers use in their work. The activity provided an engaging introduction to 3D design and digital creativity, and encouraged students to take part in our Create the Trophy competition. It offered a practical insight into real engineering tools and techniques, making the experience both accessible and inspiring.

Our QEPrize Ambassadors found the experience of interacting with the students incredible rewarding. Ben Money-Coomes said, "Engaging with opportunities like the STEM Skills Fair is important for inspiring the next generation of engineers and helping young people understand the breadth, creativity, and societal impact of engineering careers. One of the biggest positives of the STEM Skills Fair is the level of energy and curiosity from students. Their questions were thoughtful and honest, which makes the conversations genuinely engaging."

QEPrize Ambassador, Susan McDonald, on one of the panels

During the Honest Q&A sessions, QEPrize Ambassadors Emily Backhouse and Susan McDonald, gave students the chance to ask open and candid questions about careers in engineering. QEPrize Ambassadors discussed the skills organisations seek in future innovators, shared their own career journeys, and offered a glimpse into the teams and industries they work within.

Reflecting on the panels, Susan McDonald said that, "The opportunity to share my career journey and insights was incredibly fulfilling, offering students a real-world perspective on potential career paths within STEM. The questions from the students were insightful, indicating genuine interest and engagement."

QEPrize Ambassador, Emily Backhouse, speaking on one of the panels

All of our QEPrize Ambassadors played a vital role in showcasing the breadth of opportunities available to young people and in providing authentic insight into the engineering profession.

During the day we welcomed around 500 students and teachers - we would like to thank them for their invaluable contribution to inspiring the next generation of innovators. 

Related Articles