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RAF STEM Ambassador wins RAF Waddington Aviator of the Year Award

The prestigious award recognises Sergeant Yarwood's contribution to STEM Engagement Programme.

Sergeant Yarwood is a well deserving winner of the Aviator of the Year Award, for her dedication to the RAF STEM Ambassador role - which she oversees alongside her duties at 14 Squadron.

RAF STEM Ambassadors are critical for growing, promoting and engaging young children in STEM roles like engineers, aviation technicians, and medics; subjects that are so essential to the success of the RAF. They visit schools and communities around the UK and overseas, running activities and competitions that inspire science, technology, engineering and mathematics topics before school children embark on exciting careers utilising the skills.

Image shows RAF Aviator standing on station by a metal aircraft statue.
Sergeant Yarwood (picture) from 14 Squadron, has been recognised for contribution to the STEM Engagement Programme at RAF Waddington.

Presented by Lockheed Martin, the award recognises Sergeant Yarwood's amazing leadership and management skills, coupled with her calm mentoring that has ensured the continued success of the STEM programme at RAF Waddington

Her enthusiasm and professionalism has impressed school staff and presented herself as the perfect role model to all those around her. She is a reliable, enthusiastic and active STEM Ambassador, having delivered 12 events to over 400 young people. Sergeant Yarwood has also led a class of 30 children and directed the support of other STEM Ambassadors, more senior in rank, during a series of events which showcased the BLACK BUCK raid to schools in the Lincoln area.

I was very lucky to be involved in lots of STEM activities when I was at secondary school. These activities played a large part in my decision to join the RAF and are the reason I became a RAF STEM Ambassador. There are a number of activities that we use from building paper aeroplanes to coding with Lego, that not only the children enjoy but we can learn and develop too.

The bigger events, such as project X, enable you to mentor secondary school children over a number of months, these type of events are what inspired me when I was at secondary school. Seeing the children have fun and learn at the same time is rewarding but knowing you are potentially inspiring the children to choose a career in the STEM field is priceless.

Sergeant Yarwood
STEM Ambassador, RAF Waddington

Read more about RAF STEM

Image show RAF aviator holding award with civilian.
Sergeant Yarwood receiving the Aviator of the Year Award.

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