Volunteer at Careers Hive

Help inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, medics, coders, makers and thinkers

Careers Hive is a free immersive careers event for school students, running Monday 26 – Thursday 29 October. We bring P7–S3 students together with STEM professionals to try hands-on activities and share career experiences, highlighting the different opportunities and career pathways that can open up by choosing STEM subjects. We aim to provide students with an exciting, memorable experience, and inspire them to think about what is possible with their futures.

Careers Hive takes place in the National Museum of Scotland. Throughout the week around 2,000 students from schools in Central Belt and beyond are guided through sessions featuring an interactive exhibition, speed networking and inspirational talks.

Core to the Careers Hive experience is the opportunity for students to meet real life STEM professionals. We’re looking for volunteers from a wide range of STEM fields to helps us inspire the next generation.

Benefits of Volunteering

Inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, coders, makers and thinkers
Help young people understand the breadth of job opportunities open to them
Take advantage of a unique personal development opportunity
Network with other professionals in STEM careers
Attend a free half-day Communicating with Confidence training course
A certificate recognising your contribution

Careers Hive increased my confidence in communicating, giving presentations, chairing meetings and networking at events.

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What to expect

Volunteers play a key role in making Careers Hive a success, having the most direct interactions with visitors. Volunteers are trained to deliver hands-on activities, engaging students who take part while discussing the real-world skills used in STEM roles. Throughout the day, volunteers can also take part in the Think Tank – a space for quick-fire conversations where small groups of young people will have five minutes to ask you some face-paced career questions.

Careers Hive is run by Edinburgh Science staff and science communicators, who handle all the logistics and are on hand to support volunteers throughout the day. Prior to the event, volunteers take part in our half-day training course Communicating with Confidence, which offers an overview of the event and helps to develop communication skills.

Frequently asked questions

Who can volunteer?

We’re looking for volunteers currently working in a STEM career, who use STEM skills in their day-to-day role. We aim to showcase a broad spectrum of jobs and workplaces, from apprentices, machinists and coders to researchers, site engineers and lab assistants.

We’re particularly interested in volunteers who followed a non-traditional route into their role, or identify with a minority group underrepresented in the sector.

Not sure if your role suits? We’re always happy to chat – reach out to us at careershive@scifest.co.uk.

How long do I need to volunteer for?

We require volunteers to offer at least one and a half days of their time – half a day for in-person training, and one day volunteering at the event.

The volunteering can be done on one day, or two half day shifts.

Full day: 9am–5pm [one hour for lunch]

Morning: 9am–1.30pm

Afternoon: 12.30pm–5pm

We ask that you are available for the full duration of the shift you sign up for.

How do I apply?

My organisation isn't partnered with Edinburgh Science – can I volunteer?

While priority is given to volunteers from parter and supporter organisations, we recruit many volunteers to take part across Careers Hive and welcome applicants from any organisation.

If your organisation is interested in supporting Careers Hive, get in touch with development@scifest.co.uk to explore partnership packages.

My company has a great activity – can I bring it along?

Most of the activities at Careers Hive have been created by Edinburgh Science, though we do have opportunities for supporters to bring their own activity.

If your organisation is interested in bringing an activity, contact development@scifest.co.uk to discuss partnership opportunities.

How do I prepare for the role?

You don’t need to prepare anything in advance – all the key information will be shared with you at the training day.

The training is ran in-person only to reflect the experience of volunteering at Careers Hive and allow you the opportunity to try the hands-on activities.

Do I need a PVG check?

We take safeguarding and child protection very seriously at Edinburgh Science, and we have a robust child protection policy in place for all of our events.

If you are volunteering for more than 3 days, you will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVF) scheme and subject to a criminal check through Disclosure Scotland – we will organise this for you.

Can I wear a uniform/branded t-shirt or bring marketing collateral to Careers Hive?

We provide all volunteers with a Careers Hive branded t-shirt to wear during the event.

If your organisation is interested in branding opportunities at Careers Hive, please get in touch with development@scifest.co.uk to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Who visits Careers Hive?

Across the week, around 2,000 P7–S3 pupils from across the Central Belt visit Careers Hive. This is a key time in their academic careers, as they begin to think about which subjects they want to take.

The National Museum of Scotland is open to the public, who are welcome to engage with Careers Hive. During the training, we’ll discuss ways to adapt the experience to work for different audiences.

Benefits of Volunteering

What to expect

Frequently asked questions

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