Bob Cater, EESW CEO, retires after 30 years service
The Chief Executive Officer of the Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW) is retiring after more than 30 years’ service to the organisation.
Bob Cater, a distinguished educationalist with a passion for introducing young people to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is stepping down from his post as CEO at the end of September 2020. Bob joined the newly established organisation in 1989 as Chairman of the Board, before taking over from Founder Austin Mathews MBE as National Director eleven years later.
The Scheme itself is typically aimed at sixth-form students who are curious about engineering, providing them with the opportunity to partner with a local company and undertake a real-world engineering challenge in 28 weeks. Since its inception in 1989, more than 2,000 EESW participants have progressed to study Engineering at University or taken employment within the sector.
Bob recognised that to change perceptions about careers in engineering and close the skills gap, EESW needed to engage with learners much earlier in their school career. Throughout his tenure, Bob introduced new initiatives to expand EESW’s portfolio to reach to more than 9,000 primary and secondary school students across Wales each academic year. Through the creation of the STEM Cymru Project and partnerships with F1 in Schools, Engineering UK and Shell, EESW has become a trusted deliverer of STEM education to more than 200 Welsh Schools.
Bob has worked closely with the Board of Directors to facilitate a smooth handover of operational duties to Rebecca Davies, who will assume the role of Chief Operations Officer from 1st October 2020. Rebecca is a graduate of mathematics and has served as Bob’s second in command for almost 10 years. Rebecca will focus on building upon the momentum and successes of the EESW and STEMCymru project strands and introducing new methods of engaging and inspiring young people in a post Covid-19 world.
The Board is confident that Rebecca, along with her team, will lead the organisation into its next phase. The combination of proven operational competency, strategic foresight and a strong stakeholder network will position EESW to take advantage of new opportunities to further inspire a generation.
Bob’s departure marks the end of an era for EESW, and his passion and leadership will be sorely missed. EESW thanks Bob for his exceptional service and the sustainable legacy that he leaves behind. The Board is hopeful that Bob will remain a friend of EESW for many years to come and looks forward to an exciting future for STEM education in Wales.
