Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Ambassador, James O’Donnell, has recently been awarded the New Civil Engineer ‘Graduate of the Year Award’, an outstanding achievement and one which reflects the high calibre of STEM Ambassadors in Birmingham and Solihull.

James O’Donnell mentioned "It's very rewarding to see students take a genuine interest in our profession and its important that we are able to continue to carry out these projects to help explain what a civil engineer is and how a career in science and engineering can be very rewarding."

"For me the paper project is all about getting kids involved with construction in an exciting and educational way. As a structural engineer I am able to explain simple structural principles which explain why one paper bridge was able to take more weight than another. This usually spurs the kids on to make a more efficient structure capable of carrying greater loads."

"In March I am taking part in the Skills West Midlands event in the RICOH arena in Coventry. We are hoping to attract even more kids to our stalls with paper tubes and straws! It's imperative we demonstrate how pivotal are industry is to the betterment of a more sustainable society."

To read more about James, his role as a STEM Ambassador in Birmingham and Solihull and to find out how you can get involved, click here.