Techniquest, the educational charity in Cardiff Bay, has welcomed three new recruits to support its plans to radically transform its science discovery centre.
As it ramps up its Science Capital project, which will see its footprint, content and audiences increase, Techniquest is growing its customer service, fundraising and content design teams.
As part of its continued efforts to provide the best in customer service, Caitlin Adlam from Tredegar, has become the newest member of its customer service team.
She has joined the Techniquest team with over five years’ experience in customer service, as well as both a degree and Masters in English Literature achieved at Cardiff University.
One of her primary roles will be organising Techniquest’s outreach programme that visits schools. The programme provides a unique experience supporting teachers and inspiring pupils from Foundation Phase to Post-16 in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics bringing the Techniquest experience to schools.
Alongside Caitlin, Mike Harrison is joining the Techniquest team as Fundraising & Campaigns Officer.
Mike, originally from Yorkshire, has extensive experience in Fundraising, previously being a fundraiser for the Wales Millennium Centre. His new role at Techniquest will see him looking after the Friends of Techniquest scheme and individual donors. He will also take a role in applying for grants and corporate sponsorship to support the outreach work the charity undertakes with schools and local communities.
A further extension of the Techniquest team has seen Jennie French join as Content Designer.
Jennie will be sourcing and designing temporary exhibitions and daytime events. This will help Techniquest to attract new audiences and introduce new areas of STEM onto the exhibition floor.
From Portsmouth, Jennie has recently completed a MSc in Science Communication where she focussed on science centres and events. She is also a Vice Chair of the Early Career Scientist Committee at the Society for Applied Microbiology (SfAM) so brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the role.
Jennie said: “I love how Techniquest is changing and adapting to the needs of its audiences and how it puts the surrounding community at the heart of everything it does. The new Science Capital project really appealed to me in that the transformation will appeal to a wider range of audiences while continuing to cater for those who grew up with the centre.”
The new appointments come on the back of Techniquest’s announcement of its long-term plans to radically transform its building with a £5.7m project known as The Science Capital.
Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Techniquest said: “During this pivotal time of expansion for our organisation we have invested heavily in both our facilities and our team. It is important that we have the right people to help us on our mission to deliver interactive STEM learning experiences for all ages. We’re thrilled to welcome Caitlin, Mike and Jennie to Techniquest.
“They will no doubt be an asset to our charity during this exciting phase of development.”
Techniquest’s Science Capital project is being delivered by architects HLM, planning consultants Wardell Armstrong, project managers Lee Wakemans and engineers Hydrock, and funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Wellcome Trust’s Inspiring Science Fund, which is also supported by UKRI. Funding support for the Science Capital has also been provided by the Moondance Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Welsh Government’s ‘Invest to Save’ fund, and Proton Partners International Ltd.