Intertek provides young people with glimpse of life as an Intertek scientist or engineer for British Science Week
10 Mar 2016
Intertek, the leading global quality solutions provider, is visiting schools and colleges during British Science Week (11-20 March 2016) to talk about career opportunities for UK scientists and engineers, in a bid to encourage more young people into science and technology (STEM) careers by offering first-hand accounts of science in action.
Employers continue to report a lack of science and engineering candidates for recruitment. Intertek, whose scientists and engineers test, inspect and certify everything from the quality of crude oil and high performance car engines to the safety of cancer-busting drugs and children's toys, says that key to reversing this trend is to provide young people with the chance to see the opportunities open to them in STEM at all entry levels.
During British Science Week, run in conjunction with the British Science Association, Intertek will be talking to London primary school children about what being an engineer is all about and telling Surrey sixth formers all about STEM careers available at Intertek.
Jeremy Opperer of Product Assurance will be working with aspiring engineers at St Scholastica's Primary School in Hackney explaining both the engineering behind simple objects such as a doorknob, as well as the inner workings of a computer keyboard. Anthony Sweetland, Laboratory Manager at Sunbury will be talking to Twickenham Academy sixth form students about fuel and lubricant testing in Sunbury, but also the opportunities for scientists and engineers across Intertek.
Rob van Dorp, chief executive, Intertek UK & Eire said: "Training and developing skilled and highly qualified scientists and engineers is crucial to the future of our quality and safety business, as many other UK businesses. We want to help introduce students to science and engineering as potential careers with dynamic, commercial and global possibilities."
Imran Khan, CEO of the British Science Association applauded Intertek's commitment to British Science Week: "British Science Week is a great opportunity to celebrate all the latest advances in science, technology, engineering and maths. At the British Science Association, we feel it's important to raise awareness, spark enthusiasm and encourage debates on science, as it matters to everyone, whether they are a scientist or not."
Intertek, one of whose founders Thomas Edison is known for his discovery of the light bulb, offers young people an entry into science and engineering careers at all levels – this year offering apprenticeships, graduate places, placement opportunities and on-the-job traineeships.
With more than 2,000 expert staff in over 60 locations across UK & Eire, Intertek employs scientists, engineers, auditors and laboratory technicians with a diverse range of expertise, technical and scientific skills.
For further information, please contact:
Joanne Merriweather
UK PR Manager 07786 525390
Joanne.merriweather@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value for its customers by helping improve the quality and safety of their products, assets and processes. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 38,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies' success in the global marketplace, by helping customers to meet end users' expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com.