KEVIN Smith has been announced as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Scotland’s STEM Ambassador of the Year for his work to inspire young people into the profession.
Kevin, who is area manager and principal chartered engineer with Waterman Aspen, has been a STEM Ambassador for over ten years. Over the last 12 months he has supported a range of activities, including having the special experience of returning to his former school, Carnoustie High.
Kevin said he was absolutely ‘chuffed’ with the award as it gave the work he does extra validation and acknowledgement in the wider engineering space.
“When I undertake STEM activities, inspiring the next wave of young engineers into the civil engineering profession is at the heart of what I do,” he said. “My aim is to encourage, nurture and educate – hopefully myth busting as I go.
“I give as much time to STEM as I can and am thankful for the support of ICE and also from my employer Waterman Aspen and long-suffering wife Claire – for their support of the work and personal time it often takes up.”
The ICE CityZen competition saw Kevin mentoring teams of S5/S6 pupils, taking them though stages of the online game, coaching them to work as a team, solve problems, think creatively, and challenge their own thoughts. He supported them to produce an informative display, communicating an infrastructure change they wanted to see in their own community.
Kevin has also furthered his own education, taking additional training to be able to mentor young people and support them with their school studies. He added, “Seeing a realisation dawn in someone else’s eyes directly through and as a result of my tutoring, is such an amazing and positive feeling. Seeing their mirrored happiness is also very uplifting.”
Congratulating Kevin on his award, the judges said, “It was very difficult to differentiate since all candidates were very good. It is clear Kevin has participated in a variety of events and his mentoring project is a unique way of helping young people and makes him stand out from the others in type of engagement.”
