As a company whose industry is driven by the technical sciences, we see the huge importance in encouraging and exciting upcoming generations into the STEM (science, technology, engineering and Maths) subjects and are always looking for new audiences to captivate.
Through a variety of fun and educational activities we love seeing the intrigue and excitement that students develop towards our industry and the variety of roles that can be had with a career in STEM.
John Forbes, Global Technical and Education Support Manager, has been pioneering a project to reach out to students of all ages and inform them of the importance of STEM subjects. He talked about how they never know which of the things they learn at school and college, their unique personal talents and the things they are yet to learn will one day be of value to them and potential employers.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are a huge part of how we operate as a business. The experts we employ within these fields are the driving force behind the products we create. From our research and development chemists and plant operators, to our procurement and sales teams, we rely on the incredible knowledge of our staff.
John and members of the team have been visiting local schools and colleges to give young people an insight into what we do at Treatt and the industry in which we work. Some recent visits have included trips to Thurston Community College on their Thurston and Beyton sites. Here John talked all things Biology with the younger pupils, delving into botanical science and diseases, and discussed molecular science within the flavour and fragrance industry with the older students. Following this a trip to King Edward VI Upper School, where students from local primary schools were treated to some fun practical experiments on atmospheric pressure. John with his enthusiastic Treatt STEM ambassadors also attended the Super Science Saturday fair at King Edward VI School and encouraged students and teachers to get involved with his tasting and smelling challenges. Finally, a visit to Sybil Andrews Academy in May for an afternoon of teaching with their young students.
But it’s not just visiting schools, we have hosted a variety of experience days at our own facilities. Students from Suffolk New College and Diss High School all received some first-hand experience in our R&D Labs, tasting and smelling our products while members of the Treatt team were on hand to answer any questions they had. Students and teachers alike were captivated, Mr. Lemon from Diss High School said, “It was a fantastic experience, the pupils were able to see the applications of chemistry beyond the classroom and the afternoon was memorable, enjoyable and inspiring.”
Over the last year we have attended a variety of events and fairs with interactive tasks to get students of all ages tasting and smelling some of the products we have to offer, the most recent being the Norwich Science Festival where people of all ages showed up to learn about what Treatt do and how we do it. Following on from this we have now been invited to attend the inaugural Suffolk Science Festival taking place in February 2018.
The interest and response to these events has been phenomenal and the diary is quickly getting booked up with other schools and colleges keen to get their personal insight into our fascinating industry. For more information, or to request your own visit, please get in contact with John Forbes at john.forbes@treatt.com