Article originally posted on ramblingthinker.com by the Author.

It was great to read an article this morning about 13 year old Aiden Dwyer.  News of what this young lad has done seems to be buried in an obscure place.  No mention in the mainstream media.  But I think he should be held up as an example of what kids today can achieve,  particularly in contrast to the teenage thugs in the UK riots.

Sorry for blowing my own trumpet here, but he reminds me a little of myself at his age, 13 years old, when I was a runner up in a national electronics design competition.  Myself and all my friends had hobbies and interests.  I didn't need to hang around on street corners, didn't have games consoles, mobile phones or trousers that only came halfway up my arse (I hate that fashion, bring back wedgies!)

We didn't have gadgets to entertain us so we had to use our imaginations.  Is that what is missing today?  Perhaps we need less to enable us create more. Aiden simply took a walk in the woods and let his eyes and imagination go wild.

I was amazed this year by the news of increased student numbers studying maths and physics at A-level and the increasing rates of those applying for physics and engineering degree courses at University.  Does this mean that schools have woken up to the problems the economy has been facing for some time?  A lack of science skilled entrants to the work force.  We need more scientists and engineers to fuel the economy. Only by having people with the skills to create real products that others around the world need and desire can we start to bring real cash into the UK economy for businesses of all sizes.

Who is going to do this into the future?  Our children.  We need our children to engineer our future.  As all parents know they grow up fast and it won't be long before they are looking for a future direction.  With kids like Aiden and the news of ever increasing number studying STEM subjects the future, I think, is looking good.

If you want to help out and encourage kids to study or think about careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) the get involved in schools now.  What's stopping you?  Throughout the UK you can work with STEMNET who help schools by matching what they need to engineers and scientists who can help.  Volunteer today!  If you run a business that employs engineers and scientists then encourage them to join.

The kids you help today are the future of your business success.