The number of people dedicated to sharing their enthusiasm for science and engineering and inspiring young people reached record levels today.

Process engineer Ewere Odaro became the 18,000th person to join the Science and Engineering Ambassador (SEA) scheme since it was established by the Government in 2002.

The UK programme, managed by the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Network (STEMNET), was expected to achieve the target of 18,000 ambassadors by 31 March but is ahead of schedule having reached this number at the end of last year.

Science Minister Ian Pearson, who today congratulated Ms Odaro on joining the scheme, said: "The Government is committed to investing in the skills of our workforce and especially our young people who will play a key role in building a globally competitive UK in a rapidly changing world.

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"There are now thousands of Science and Engineering Ambassadors up and down the country inspiring young people and explaining that pursuing qualifications and a career in areas like science, technology, engineering and maths can be both fun and rewarding."

Ambassadors represent a broad range of STEM disciplines from apprentices and technicians through to PhDs working in corporate, academic and government organisations. They work with students in several ways, including supporting school Science and Engineering clubs, assisting with school science competitions or offering advice and mentoring to students.

Ms Odaro, who works for MW Kellogg Ltd, an engineering, procurement and construction contractor, has so far participated in three ambassador activities.

These have included talking to students about engineering as a career, leading students in playing engineering-related games and demonstrating science experiments to an after school science club.

Ms Odaro said: "I really admire STEMNET's Science and Engineering Ambassador initiative. I think it's important to encourage young people to consider a career in this area, and particularly to encourage more young females.

"It doesn't take much of my time and if I can provide any sort of clarity or advice to young people who are deciding what to study then I feel like I've done something worthwhile."

The Government is committed to increasing the number of young people studying STEM subjects. The activities of STEMNET and the SEA programme, as funded by DIUS, are part of a wider strategy on delivering this objective.

(GK/JM)