Peterlee firm aims to inspire new generation of engineers

Staff from ZF TRW Peterlee have joined the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Ambassador team.

Its focus is to inspire the region’s young people into careers born out of pursuing STEM subjects – and, one day, potentially join the growing ZF TRW team.

They will visit schools, colleges and universities, support activities and host on-site events, and get involved in other employment events in the area.

The team is made up of representatives from across the site based on Peterlee Business Park, including Adam Tobin, Michael Liddle, and Ian Langley from the quality lab, Vlad Arsene from quality customer support, Ian Newton, from the maintenance department, continuous improvement’s Diane McGeorge, and Carolyn Bird from human resources (HR).

Carolyn said: “One day some of the pupils we meet as part of these initiatives could end up working for ZF TRW.”

ZF TRW has worked closely with the STEM Ambassadors Programme, which co-ordinates activities and groups.

Carol Harrison, network manager for STEM Ambassador Hub North East, said: “It’s well known that not enough kids are studying STEM subjects or following through into STEM careers.

“Taking STEM ambassadors into schools to work with students helps to dispel the stereotypes that ‘engineering is oily and dirty’, ‘it’s not for bright kids’, ‘it’s not for girls’, and to convince young people that there are real opportunities for rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.“