Introducing... Christopher Maddock

Could you tell us about your prior experience and why you joined STEM Ambassadors?

I’ve taken a bit of a winding path to get here! I initially started a career in accountancy but soon realised I wanted to do something more mission led that felt more meaningful.

That led me to university to study teaching, where I loved working with young people, but felt the traditional classroom setting wasn’t quite the right fit for me.

Instead, I found my passion in youth development, working with the NCS - National Citizen Service Trust to help young people build skills and confidence. I then spent five years with the Lancashire Careers Hub, most recently as Operational Hub Lead, supporting schools and employers to deliver high-quality careers education aligned with local and national priorities.

While I loved my time there, the opportunity to join STEM Learning UK and work on the STEM Ambassadors programme was too good to pass up. I’ve always enjoyed working with businesses and industry, and this role allows me to help shape meaningful employer engagement that supports and inspires the future STEM workforce. We are going through a shift in what high-quality progressive careers education looks like, so this is an exciting time to work with employers who are looking at their outreach and thinking about how best to support, upskill and provide the knowledge to the future workforce on what the best next steps they can take.

What was your favourite subject at school – is it the same today?

At school, I loved Geography. I'm quite an outdoorsy person, so learning about the earth, landscapes, environments, and the people in them was something I always enjoyed exploring, as it gave me new ways to understand the world. That passion has stayed with me, and I find it interesting how a topic like climate change now relates to so many STEM subjects to help discover real-world solutions, and many other challenges we are facing. My appreciation for Digital Skills has also grown over time, I'm just not sure I have the right brain for all the technical, digital and analytical skills so many young people are developing today!

*One example of a geography-based article you can find on our youth-facing website, Destination STEM.

What is the current biggest barrier to success in STEM for young people, do you think?

One of the biggest barriers is accessibility, both in terms of awareness and opportunity. Many young people don’t see themselves in STEM careers because they lack relatable role models or hands-on experiences. That’s why programmes like STEM Ambassadors are so important; they help break down misconceptions and show that STEM is for everyone, regardless of background.

Who is your STEM role model?

Alan Turing. His work not only laid the foundation for modern computing but also played a crucial role in shaping the world as we know it. His ability to think differently, challenge the status quo, and solve seemingly impossible problems is something I deeply admire. Beyond his technical genius, his story is also a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM.

We are proud to have thousands of partners – are there any in particular that you’re excited to get stuck in with?

I have only been in post for a couple of months, so it is difficult to single out any individual partner as I am still getting to meet new employers every week, but what is abundantly clear is that there are so many incredible businesses and organisations involved in the STEM Ambassadors programme. Each new meeting I have helps me to learn about their visions and understand how they engage with young people through STEM outreach. Each organisation brings something unique to the table, and I’m excited to collaborate with them all to create meaningful opportunities that inspire the next generation.

How can business leaders contact you?

I’d love to hear from businesses that want to make a real impact on the future of STEM.

Now more than ever, the need for industry to help bridge the skills gap is so important. Working together to produce meaningful and sustainable activities and opportunities for young people will create life-changing experiences for young people to go on and find the right next step for each individual. For those keen to know more and work together, you can reach me via LinkedIn or over email at C.Maddock@stem.org.uk. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation!