Members
Resources to engage young people with a future in chemistry
As chemical scientists, Royal Society of Chemistry members have a crucial role to play in encouraging young people to consider a career in chemistry. Just talking positively about your professional life and what you do when you meet young people could be enough to inspire them to explore a career in chemical science.
The Royal Society of Chemistry offers advice, support and resources to support outreach and help you promote chemistry careers and qualifications.
Guides, activities and presentations
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Choosing chemistry 11-14: what chemists do, what they earn and where they work
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Choosing chemistry 15-18: what chemists do, what they earn and where they work
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Engaging young people with a career in chemistry - a guide
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Providing experiences of workplaces for young people under 18 - a guide for employers
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If you would like advice on how to adapt your presentation please contact your local Education Coordinator
How to Volunteer in Schools: Best Practice for RSC Members
If you’re interested in volunteering in schools but are not sure how to get started, register your interest in our online training session and we’ll get in touch when we run the next session. The one hour session will include hints and tips on what to expect in the classroom, ideas of how to promote careers in chemistry to young people and next steps to put everything into practice.
Volunteering
We recommend volunteering as a STEM Ambassador. The registration process includes a free enhanced disclosure check and induction. After that you can find out about upcoming activities relevant to you through a dashboard and simply express your interest. The Republic of Ireland offers similar opportunities through SmartFutures.
If you would prefer to volunteer at your old school (state schools only) we recommend FutureFirst. There are still options to participate virtually in outreach activities. There are other third parties who coordinate outreach activities and work experience for young adults. These include: Speakers4Schools, Scape Group, Founders4Schools, Forage and the Careers and Enterprise Company
You can also contact your local Education Coordinator about outreach activities in your area. They oversee many activities relating to education support, networks and outreach activities within their designated UK region.
RSC Local Sections may also be involved in events aimed at inspiring young people to take up a future in chemistry. Get in touch with the Local Section chair for your area to find out more.
Print materials including career booklets, posters and postcards are available on request by emailing careers@rsc.org
Explore general RSC volunteering opportunities
Did you know*
- The chemical sciences workforce is projected to grow 30% faster than the overall UK labour market (2022-2032).
- Chemical scientists’ median salary is £38,590. That’s £7,500 more than the UK median average for other job postings. (Lightcast data 2023).
- 71% of the 2035 workforce have already begun their career.
- The skills needed by modern chemical scientists are in the areas of digital technologies and sustainability.
- Outreach and work experience are the best ways for students to understand the variety of career options and see their future in chemistry.
*Source RSC Future Workforce and Education Pathways report
Explaining the benefits of a chemistry career
Presentations and resources to help you advise young people about careers in chemistry
OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
Member volunteers are integral to the work we do as an organisation, influencing and providing the foundations for the networks, outreach activities and support that we offer. Explore the opportunities.
Learn more about outreach and public engagement on rsc.org and on the Members Area