Volunteers and STEM Ambassadors
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 |
| 19/05/2026 (volunteer list full - reserve list open) | Malet Lambert | HU8 0JD | Hull |
| 21/05/2026 | Healing Academy | DN41 7QD | North East Lincolnshire |
| 21/05/2026 | Conyers School | TS15 9ET | Yarm |
| 01/06/2026 (volunteer list full - reserve list open) | St Benedicts | PA5 8EX | Renfrewshire |
| 04/06/2026 | Durham area - Venue TBC | TBC | Durham |
| 05/06/2026 | Durham area - Venue TBC | TBC | Durham |
| 09/06/2026 | Beacon Academy | DN35 9NF | North East Lincolnshire |
| 11/06/2026 | Southmoor Academy | SR2 7TF | Sunderland |
| 12/06/2026 | Newcastle Venue TBC | TBC | Newcastle |
| 15/06/2026 | Monifieth High | DD5 4QT | Angus |
| 15/06/2026 | Trinity Catholic College | TS4 3JW | Middlesbrough |
| 16/06/2026 (volunteer list full - reserve list open) | Kirkby High School | L32 9PP | Knowsley |
| 18/06/2026 | Thornaby Academy | TS17 9DB | Stockton on Tees |
| 19/06/2026 | Kinross High | KY13 8FQ | Perth and Kinross |
| 19/06/2026 | Dyke House Academy | TS22 5EG | Hartlepool |
| 22/06/2026 | Northfield School and Sports College | TS22 5EG | Stockton on Tees |
| 24/06/2026 | Walker Riverside | NE15 9TP | Newcastle |
| 25/06/2026 | St Patrick's Catholic College | TS17 9DE | Stockton on Tees |
| 29/06/2026 | Walbottle Academy | NE15 9TP | Newcastle |
| 30/06/2026 (volunteer list full - reserve list open) | 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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