July 2006
Polartech forms link with local Manchester School, Stretford Grammar
Polartech has recently joined the Chemicals Northwest Secondary Schools Programme which has been piloted in the region during 2005 / 2006.
A recent visit by Programme Manager, Jane Gamble, allowed the introduction of the initiative at the Trafford Park Site of Polartech Ltd. in Manchester.
The aims of the Secondary School Programme (age 11 – 18) are to:
- Raise awareness of the chemical industry sector among young people
- Encourage more students to study science subjects and consider careers in this significant UK business sector
- Develop a strong interlinked business – education network for future activities
Polartech has been paired with local school Stretford Grammar and the start of the programme will see two chemistry teachers from the school, Sandra Hayton and Lynsay Pickering spending some time on the Polartech site getting to understand the technical background of the company.
Sandra Hayton and Lynsay Pickering
Following the placement period of the teachers within the company during the next couple of months, it is expected that some of the chemistry based concepts and ideas being observed on site will eventually make their way into the classroom lessons.
Technical Manager, Gary Bentley, is very enthusiastic about the programme and commented, ‘We have been looking to forge links with local schools in the past but with limited success. This new programme provides a structure in which not only can we create such a link but hopefully we can find some young employees, with a chemistry based interest, for the future.’
As part of the commitment to the programme, Polartech have indicated that they will take students into the company for ‘works experience placements’ during next spring and will also consider project options for an individual student during the summer break of 2007.
