Scotland’s experts on farmer co-ops and food industry collaboration, we work with food and farming businesses to make them more profitable, competitive, and sustainable - #workingtogether to shape the future, today.
All our work helps facilitate farmers and food and drink businesses to work together effectively. Over the years we've expanded and developed subsidiary businesses - getting the right people together and making innovative advancements - to help benefit food, farming and rural Scotland.
Developing staff capability is one of the most effective ways to improve a co-op’s performance. Check out our events and training programme - most of which are open to non co-op members too.
As a development organisation, owned by our members, we provide a range of specialist services not available elsewhere, to assist them in developing their people and their businesses. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.
See below for all the latest news, views and updates from us here at SAOS. Find all our latest videos on YouTube at: SAOS - working together in food and farming
31 January 2024
STEM Ambassadors is a volunteer programme that has been running for over 20 years. There are over 28,000 individuals who offer their time, passion, and energy to visit schools, colleges, and youth group organisations to deliver requests from teachers and youth group leaders who want to link STEM subjects to the real world of work.
STEM ambassadors volunteer from a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related jobs and disciplines across the UK. They offer their time and enthusiasm to help bring STEM subjects to life and promote STEM careers.
By engaging with the STEM Food and Drink Ambassador programme as an employer, you can make a real difference to young people's perception of STEM subjects and careers while providing professional learning and development opportunities for your staff.
If you look inside your business, can you identify an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team member who could become an ambassador? Someone who can inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. It’s about supporting learning, illuminating careers, and raising aspirations.
Are you interested in finding out more about how your business can offer a hand to deliver a world-leading STEM education, and in turn benefit from inspiring young people and building a pipeline of talent in our industry?
There are two events coming up that offer information and advice to help:
Join an online Teams session introducing the STEM Ambassadors programme and the Scottish Food and Drink Ambassadors Scheme.
Info/joining details at - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/employer-information-session-food-drink-stem-ambassadors-tickets-802679274317?aff=oddtdtcreator
STEM Ambassador advisors will be on hand to answer questions, as well as STEM Ambassador Irene Pozo from Scottish Sea Farms who can talk about the practicalities and benefits of being part of the programme. (View their case study at: https://www.foodeducationscotland.scot/stem-case-studies/scottish-sea-farms)
Come along and meet STEM Ambassador advisors, speak with the Developing the Young Workforce team and hear from STEM Ambassador Karen Gerrie from Chivas Brothers (View their case study at https://www.foodeducationscotland.scot/stem-case-studies/chivas)
The Inspiring STEM Food and Drink Careers event is being held over lunchtime and gives you the chance to mix with like-minded people while getting your questions answered.
More details/register at https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uhi/moray-stem-food-drink-ambassadors-event
Come along to either of the events – obligation-free – and find out more about joining the network of STEM Food & Drink Ambassadors.
Play your part in inspiring the next generation and make the food and drink sector a career destination of choice:
