Inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths!

The CFA STEM Ambassadors scheme is part of a national Programme enabling anyone with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to inspire young people and demonstrate the possibilities of STEM subjects and careers in the chilled food sector.

The Programme is funded by Government, charitable trusts and employers, and is supported by CFA Members’ senior management who encourage their staff to become CFA Chilled STEM Ambassadors. The Programme is coordinated nationally by STEM Learning and managed locally by their partners who give Ambassadors interaction opportunities fitting their own skills. Activities include giving careers talks, giving lessons, helping with projects in after-school STEM clubs or challenge days and judging competitions, online and in person.

Ambassadors also support and inspire teachers in the classroom and help them update their knowledge of contemporary science, technology and research processes. The variety of activities and the impact they have is huge.

Anyone in the chilled food manufacturing sector over the age of 17 with skills or interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics can register as a CFA Chilled STEM Ambassador. The most important qualities in Ambassadors are that they are enthusiastic and positive role models for STEM subjects and associated careers

For more information on STEM Ambassadors visit here

 

How do I become a CFA STEM Ambassador?

  1. Register online.
  2. Select ‘Chilled Food Association’ as the professional organisation
  3. Check the box allowing data sharing.
  4. The registration process takes approximately 5 minutes. Once completed, you’ll receive an email with a verification link – please click the link to confirm your email address.  After verifying your email, you can log into your account on the STEM Ambassadors platform to begin your induction

    This includes:

    • A short safeguarding test
    • Agreeing to the STEM Ambassadors Code of Conduct
    • Filling out your profile information

    The induction should take around 30 minutes in total.

    Within 2 working days of completing your induction, you’ll receive a link to begin your DBS application. The time this takes can vary depending on the documents you have available. Part of the process involves verifying your documents through a secure online app. Once submitted, your DBS certificate typically arrives within 2 weeks.

Educational Resources to Inspire and Support You

CFA has a range of lesson plans you can download and share with colleagues and schools, covering hygiene, bacteria, taste, NPD, microbial structure, pH/juice/yeast.

Through our award-winning Chilled Education programme we have a wealth of resources to support your interactions with future employees in schools & colleges:

  • Store Cupboard Science activities to engage with students – now over 100 experiments
  • Resources for interactive sessions from Glo Germ Handwashing to Nanobug Tattoos and MicroTrumps
  • Presentation ‘The Cool World Of Chilled Food’
  • Interactive suggestions for online and face to face sessions
  • Tailored interactive online sessions to demonstrate activities.
  • Lesson plans and short activities
  • Career pathways & case studies – from new starters to those further up the career ladder
  • Videos and interviews
  • Themed calendar of activities throughout the year

Email education@chilledfood.org for more information

Updated 3/3/26