New programme links further education with industry
In order to strengthen the connections between industry and further education, we have started a new programme that enables students studying ‘Access to Science’ courses to obtain much needed industrial experience.
As part of the programme, which is linked to the recommendations we made in our Supporting Technical Skills in the Chemical Industry report last year, we support the project units carried out at 30 colleges across the UK. Students who complete the course not only gain valuable experience in industry, but also become eligible to obtain Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status.
Five colleges in the South West of England took part in a pilot programme in 2013/2014. Following its success, we are now rolling the programme out on a wider scale.
Dr Kevin Honeychurch from the University of the West of England who supervised City of Bristol College student Stephen Lloyd’s project on the determination of lead in dust commented on the programme: “For me, this has been a very positive experience. In Stephen I was given a safe pair of hands whose ability was as least as good as many of the undergraduates I work with and supervise. As a Chartered Chemist myself, I recognise the importance of ongoing training and skill enhancement throughout our working lives. I believe achieving his RSciTech is an important step for Stephen as he builds his career.”
We are looking for employers to support this programme by offering work experience or providing a project that can be carried out within the college. Some examples of what the project or work experience could include are process development or validation, instrument qualification and sample analysis.
If you are an employer and would like to enhance a student’s learning experience and nurture the talents of a budding scientist, get in touch with us.
