Meet the team - FIRST® LEGO® League
The IET are the proud delivery partners for FIRST® LEGO® League in the UK and Ireland.
Our small IET FIRST® LEGO® League team is supported by a phenomenal network of volunteers to deliver the programme across the UK and Ireland.
Find out more about the IET and the team below.
Hannah Rees - Senior Education Manager FIRST® LEGO® League
Work experience
Hannah has worked in the education sector for over a decade, supporting Young People with skills and innovation and was also fortunate to be involved in the UK’s Gazelle Programme – embedding entrepreneurship within the curriculum to teach life skills that drive innovation.
Hannah has also been involved with competitions, large-scale events including STEM festivals, T.V, radio and also the London Olympics. Before Joining the IET, Hannah has worked abroad directing teams and leading on strategy, project management and finance.
Hannah managed the Robotics and Mechatronics Technical Network. Hannah is a PRINCE2 Practitioner, holds an Executive Diploma with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and has a postgraduate diploma with the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM).
My favourite thing about FIRST® LEGO® League/IET
"I am privileged and grateful to be involved FIRST® LEGO® League programmes as I get to witness first-hand the impact, creativity, and the fun the children and young people experience. STEM is an integral part of learning and the FIRST® LEGO® League is a great life-lesson that everyone can be involved with.
"The team and the wider support team within the IET, our volunteers and the teachers who are involved are crucial to the success of the programme and I love working with them on each season’s theme to discover how we can innovate, grow, and reach more young people. Everyone is hard working and passionate and it’s a joy to be working with them."
Fran Ward - FIRST® LEGO® League Senior Programme Manager
Work experience
Fran has over 20 years of experience in education, with a deep passion for hands-on, innovative learning. For 15 years, he specialised in using LEGO® Education robotics kits to inspire creativity and critical thinking in the classroom. Fran's commitment to STEM education extends to a decade of involvement with FIRST® LEGO® League, supporting the program at every level—from mentoring teams to hosting multi-regional tournaments. Fran brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to fostering the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
My favorite thing about the IET:
"Having been involved in FLL for a long time, it is an honor to finally work for The IET in delivering this program. A great organization.
Stacy Akers - FIRST® LEGO® League Programme Manager
Work experience
Stacy joined the IET FIRST® LEGO® League team in 2023. Before joining the IET, Stacy worked in commercial sales and the construction industry, she also worked as a carer during the pandemic.
My favourite thing about FIRST® LEGO® League/IET
"I've had the pleasure of collaborating with an outstanding group of individuals who all have a strong passion for FIRST® LEGO® League. I really love to see how children and young people engage in engineering— taking part in activities they might not have had the chance to participate in otherwise
I am delighted and privileged to work with the FLL team, where we all share a profound passion and enthusiasm for FIRST® LEGO® League. It is incredibly rewarding to see children and young people learning and creating diverse builds, using their creativity and engineering skills to solve real-world problems.”
David Tiebosch - FIRST® LEGO® League Programme Manager
Work experience
Dave is a qualified teacher and taught Modern Foreign Languages in a secondary school in Hertfordshire for 14 years. He decided to change career in 2015 and achieved his childhood dream of becoming a postman! He joined the FIRST® LEGO® League team in March 2022.
My favourite thing about FIRST® LEGO® League/IET
“I’ve really enjoyed attending the tournaments and events; it’s amazing to see the children enjoying themselves whilst gaining valuable STEM knowledge and life skills.
The FIRST® LEGO® team at the IET are all hugely passionate and supportive and it’s been a pleasure to become part of the team.”