RTX STEM Ambassadors: Mentoring future innovators

The contribution of STEM Ambassadors to RTX’s STEM programme, particularly its annual Quadcopter Challenge Schools Competition, cannot be understated.

By championing STEM education and inspiring tomorrow’s innovators, their dedicated mentoring and industry knowledge empowers students to realise their potential, ignite a passion for STEM, while significantly contributing to the competition’s success.

“Almost one-quarter of our 242 STEM Ambassadors have an apprenticeship and/or graduate programme background. Their commitment not only enhances the students’ learning experience but also underscores RTX’s dedication to nurturing future talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Alex Rose-Parfitt, Raytheon UK’s director of engineering and executive STEM lead.

Ben: Engaging the next generation

Ben, a STEM Ambassador and qualified aircraft engine technician at Pratt & Whitney in the UK, is enthusiastic about his first year mentoring Quadcopter Challenge students. Motivated by the opportunity to inspire interest in STEM fields among the young, he also knows first-hand the significance of early engagement in engineering careers, particularly aerospace engineering.

Ben began his career as an apprentice with Marshall Aerospace, amassing over eight years of experience before joining Pratt & Whitney in 2023.

“I always wanted to work with aircraft, particularly military, but I didn’t want to join the armed forces. The best compromise was an apprenticeship with a company that worked within military aerospace,” he said.

At Pratt & Whitney, Ben’s role involves working with both civilian and military aircraft engines. His job requires regular international travel, presenting unique cultural and language challenges, as well as different attitudes towards the work environment.

“Often, when I’m stripping an engine, there’s a technical interest and lots of questions. It’s important I stay focused on the job, while educating the customer and building up a good rapport. The rapport is key and makes my job easier,” said Ben.

Communication and presentation skills are fundamental to the Quadcopter Challenge, and Ben has further developed these skills outside of the workplace. As a commanding officer of an air cadet squadron, he assists cadets in overcoming the fear of public speaking by teaching them to use body language and voice effectively.

“The personal development journey that quadcopter students embark on is as important as the competitive heats,” said Ben. “It’s not just about flying a drone. You’ve got the design, the presentation, the build, and the piloting. There’s something for everyone.”

Sam: A journey in mentorship

Sam, a product of RTX’s engineering graduate and apprentice schemes, is a qualified test and validation engineer. He joined Raytheon UK from school aged 18, completing a four-year apprenticeship followed by two-years on the company’s graduate development programme. He’s been involved in the Quadcopter Challenge from the onset, leading to his role as a STEM site lead.

“It’s been a great way to meet other STEM ambassadors and different people working across different functions within the company,” said Sam. “The responsibility has helped me gain more confidence in my job.”

Sam’s competitive spirit drives him to mentor teams to success. To date, he has guided three teams to regional and national finals, a record he is proud of.

“I recently learned that a boy from a quadcopter team I mentored some years ago was going to Edinburgh University to study aerospace engineering. He said the Quadcopter Challenge inspired him to pursue this. It’s good to see the positive impact it has on young people,” said Sam.

Katie: From welding to aerospace

Katie, a mechanical design engineer for Collins Aerospace in the UK, began her career as a welder. 

Two years ago, she was approached by a recruiter with the opportunity to transfer into the aerospace industry, a field she’d always held a passion for. As well as being a STEM ambassador mentoring Quadcopter Challenge entrants, she supports STEM work experience initiatives such as mentoring a university student who is on a one-year industry placement.

Having received hands-on industry experience herself, Katie says it helped her to develop a deeper understanding of her college training material.

“The students benefit greatly because RTX has such a wide and varied product portfolio with employees from very varied backgrounds. This gives students access to a diverse range of knowledge, experience and advice to help them develop and foster STEM interest,” said Katie.

“I think that’s probably the best part of the challenge; watching how much students can develop, even in just a day. It’s amazing to see their interest blossom, even those initially hesitant,” she said. “By the end, they engage and contribute to the team. It helps them step out of their comfort zones and work effectively with others.”

Unified STEM outreach

Raytheon UK STEM lead Rosie ensures coordinated STEM outreach across Raytheon UK, Pratt & Whitney, and Collins Aerospace. A structural aircraft fitter who began her career as an aircraft apprentice herself at Raytheon UK and has held STEM ambassador and STEM site lead roles, Rosie emphasises the importance of aligned company values.

“Raytheon UK launched the Quadcopter Challenge 10 years ago, but we’ve joined together in the last three years to deliver the challenge under one unified voice, demonstrating our coordinated commitment to STEM education across all our business sites,” said Rosie.