It’s brilliant to be collaborating for a second year with the Canal & River Trust. Together we’re showcasing the diverse range of STEM careers that are available – and essential – to manage the UK’s waterways.
We’re inspiring students and challenging stereotypes about careers in the waterways sector as Canal & River Trust staff get involved in a mix of virtual and in-person interactive events in schools. Whatever your role, whatever your experience or route in, your story and life-experience is relevant and will make a difference to young people.
With a new invasive species taking over our rivers, we have a really important mission for Key Stages 2 and above. It’s so important that there are prizes for the school or student that comes up with the best solution!
This hands-on project is designed to fully engage students. They’ll explore real STEM and environmental careers involved in managing invasive species, while putting their creativity and innovation to the test.
There’s one shared mission, with two age-appropriate ways to take part: choose the route that’s right for your pupils, class or group. Each pathway comes with tailored slides and guidance, making it easy for teachers and careers leaders to deliver.
Along the way, students will build key skills like teamwork, problem solving and creativity – and with exciting prizes up for grabs, there’s even more motivation to succeed.
Impact so far
In our first year the STEM on the Water campaign has inspired over 4,400 young people from 41 schools across the UK. That’s incredible!
Students have met (and quizzed) many diverse STEM role models, explored careers in their local communities, and taken part in the Clean Canals Challenge to design a practical solution for river and canal litter.
With strong engagement particularly in London and the West Midlands schools, this partnership demonstrates the real-world relevance of the Trust’s work and the power of connecting young people with STEM careers in their environment.
How you can help
The Canal & River Trust manages an incredible network of waterways, and STEM skills are at the heart of keeping them safe, clean, and thriving.
If you have experience as a STEM professional, you can inspire young people by sharing your story with them. Show them the exciting careers available in science, technology, engineering, and maths, and help break down stereotypes about who can work in these fields.
We are looking from all people, from all walks of life, and levels of seniority – it’s this diversity and inclusivity that makes our workplace volunteers so different. Volunteering just one hour of your time a year makes a real difference – to you, and to students! Help them see how their skills can shape the future of the UK’s waterways.
