Building stronger links

Our president, Sir John Holman, says: "Chemists and chemistry make a massive contribution to our nations wellbeing, and we need people with the right skills so our economy can flourish in the future.

"Further Education Colleges play such an important role in preparing people for a future in chemistry whether thats by giving them the technical skills to work in industry or by preparing them for further study at university.

"Were pleased to sign this agreement, which forms part of our commitment to building stronger links with the further education sector, and we look forward to working together to give chemistry students the best possible start in their careers."

Dr Helen West, Head of Science and Access within the Faculty of STEAM at Cambridge Regional College said: "This is a marvellous opportunity to consolidate the excellent work that is done at CRC by staff and students alike, and on apprenticeship schemes in particular.

"Our chemistry lecturer, Ursula Lowe, was the first recipient of the national STEM Excellence Award for teaching in Further Education last year and recognises the importance of practical skills in chemistry. We work with a broad range of companies in and around Cambridge and we look forward very much to welcoming new ones to look around our facilities."

The college has full-time apprenticeships and day-release courses in Science, as well as more advanced courses for 19+ learners, including popular Access to Science programmes and HNC/HND in Biological Sciences for Industry. The focus of all of them is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in science-based industries or to enable progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualifications in science-related areas.

Past students have gone on to universities across the country to study subjects from biochemistry and environmental science, to nursing and archaeology. Apprenticeships in the health and bioscience industries are a popular career option and students also go straight into jobs in the industry.

Link:
Preparing students for a future in chemistry - Royal Society of Chemistry