Students from schools and colleges around the Bury St Edmunds area have had great first-hand experience learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the workplace and how it is used in an industrial setting.
Students aged 18 and 19 from Suffolk New College in Ipswich attended and following a site tour of the R&D labs, the students were given the opportunity to smell and taste some of Treatt’s flavour and fragrance ingredients in the Treatt applications laboratory. Members of staff from Treatt were also on hand to answer the student’s questions and to explain about the kinds of skills and qualifications required to work in the company.
Jane Taylor, Lecturer in Biology and Science at Suffolk New College commented, “The students had a chance to see how a manufacturing unit operates and how the products can be tested in a laboratory. They also discovered how essential oils are produced for the food and fragrance industries and the way that the raw materials are sourced from around the world. I overheard students saying how much they had enjoyed the visit and that they were excited by the idea that this type of work was something they could realistically access with their Applied Science course,” she added. Both Suffolk New College and Treatt are keen to consider future visits for students and also to keep the connection so that opportunities for local student employment can be pursued.
Students from Diss High School were also looking to discover the relevance and application of chemistry to ‘the real world’ outside the classroom when they visited Treatt towards the end of February. Their teacher, Mr Lemon, said that the visit was “very relevant to the A’ Level specification, including organic chemistry and analysis and that they will be referring back to the visit as the theory is covered in lessons once back at school.” The school was also keen to explore opportunities for work experience placements. “It was a fantastic experience”, adds Mr Lemon “the pupils were able to see the applications of chemistry beyond the classroom and the afternoon was memorable, enjoyable and inspiring.”
John Forbes, Global Technical Support Manager responsible for working closely with schools and colleges in the area said, “We are passionate about what we do at Treatt and the use of science is fundamental to our manufacturing, quality control and R&D functions. Chemistry in particular is an area where we would like to increase our co-operation with local teachers to develop the talent and potential that we know is in the local community.”
Treatt is keen to work with other schools in the area in order to expand its educational support and can provide bespoke packages of information dependent upon age of students, curriculum and the requirements of the school.
Treatt has also been involved in the STEM careers event at West Suffolk College, the lunchtime Science Club at St Benedicts School and will be taking part in the Science Fairs at County Upper School and King Edward VI School w/c 13 March, all in Bury St Edmunds.
Teachers who would like to discuss opportunities for ‘science in the workplace’ with Treatt please contact us on enquiries@treatt.com
