On 14th March 2013, Kemira’s Bradford site hosted the visit of a group of students from the local Bradford Academy who are taking part in the Women into STEM Apprenticeships Programme with Business Education Matters Limited (BEM).

The aim of the Women into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Apprenticeships is to increase female involvement in apprenticeships to generate a more diverse apprentice workforce in the science based industries in England and Wales. It will also help to address the gender imbalance and tackle the changing demographics and ageing workforce in this sector.

Kemira Bradford were contacted by Business Education Matters to ask if we would be willing to be involved in the company visit element of the programme which we were more than happy to support. The purpose of the visit was to give the students first hand experience of what a manufacturing environment is like for the young female to contemplate as a career choice, what processes Kemira in the UK has in place for apprentices and to hear about female employees personal experiences of working in the science industry.

The students were Year 10 girls (approximately 16 years of age) and were accompanied by their teacher and a representative from BEM. On arrival the group received an overview of the company and had the chance to listen to presentations from Kemira’s female employees which gave an insight into their careers todate and how they found themselves in science based roles. A visit to both of the sites laboratories helped to support their learning and give them first hand experience of a working lab which employ females. The visitors as well as Kemira’s own employees enjoyed the visit and look forward to continuing cooperation.