Volunteers and STEM Ambassadors

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DiscoverChemEngLIVE School Challenge Days for secondary pupils in selected areas

Developed by IChemE and All About Futures, and powered by regional delivery partners CATCH, Education Academy Scotland, and RTC North, this programme will give schools across Merseyside and Cheshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, North East England and Scotland the chance to explore the exciting and impactful world of chemical, biochemical and process engineering through interactive, hands-on experiences at no cost to schools. Up to 36 school students, working in teams of 6, are given the opportunity to build essential employability skills and explore the careers and skills used in chemical engineering.

DiscoverChemEngLIVE is designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and creativity in Year 8 (S1/S2 Scotland) students from state-funded schools. Each challenge day blends imagination with practical problem-solving through a series of fast-paced, team-based activities - from tackling sustainability challenges to uncovering how engineers transform everyday materials like seaweed, graphite, and sand into the products we all rely on.

Combining creativity, collaboration, and innovation to develop sustainable solutions that improve lives and protect the planet – helping to engineer a sustainable world; to show how chemical and process engineers make a real difference.

Where and when are the Challenge Days?

The workshops are available for mainstream, state-funded secondary schools schools within Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber. (UK only). 

Event Date Event Location Event Postcode Area
28/04/2026 The Bishops' Blue Coat Church of England High School CH3 5XF Cheshire West and Chester
28/04/2026 Cleethorpes Academy DN35 9NX North East Lincolnshire
30/04/2026  Polam Hall DL1 5PA  Darlington
07/05/2026  Valley Gardens Middle School  NE25 9AQ  North Tyneside
08/05/2026 Valley Gardens Middle School  NE25 9AQ  North Tyneside
14/05/2026  Energy Central Learning Hub  NE24 3PA  Northumberland
15/05/2026 Energy Central Learning Hub  NE24 3PA  Northumberland
19/05/2026 Malet Lambert HU8 0JD Hull
21/05/2026 Healing Academy DN41 7QD North East Lincolnshire
21/05/2026 Polam Hall DL1 5PA Darlington
22/05/2026 Polam Hall DL1 5PA Darlington
01/06/2026 St Benedicts PA5 8EX Renfrewshire
04/06/2026 Durham University DH1 3LE Durham
05/06/2026 Durham University DH1 3LE Durham
09/06/2026 Beacon Academy DN35 9NF North East Lincolnshire
11/06/2026 Southmoor Academy SR2 7TF Sunderland
15/06/2026 Monifieth High DD5 4QT Angus
16/06/2026 Kirkby High School L32 9PP Knowsley
19/06/2026 Kinross High KY13 8FQ Perth and Kinross
23/06/2026 Unilever Port Sunlight celebrating INWED CH63 3JW Wirral
30/06/2026 Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic & C of E Academy WA7 5YH Halton
21/07/2026 Whitgift Academy DN37 9EH North East Lincolnshire

How do I apply?

Members can apply to take part using the Volunteer Application Form, and select 'Schools challenge day engagement volunteers'. 

Do I need any special skills?

  • You must be prepared to engage with young people about chemical and process engineering in a way that is relevant to a young person.
  • Our delivery partners are running the events and will support you to share your real-life context and experience with pupils.
  • Abide by our safeguarding and GDPR guidance provided to you as a volunteer

If you have any questions, please contact the team at discoverchemeng@icheme.org.

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