On-site school visits
Helsby High School
Our Ellesmere Port, UK site host two separate school visits days each year for Helsby High School, during which pupils aged 14-15 experience working in a professional chemistry lab making shampoos and shower gels. Pupils are taken on a site tour, given the opportunity to have a hands-on fire safety session and discover the roles of various PPE, demonstrating the variety of professions that can be found in a chemical plant. Pupils leave inspired by the role of a chemist and having developed their science skills.
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School and Congleton High School
Our Ellesmere Port, UK site also holds an annual school visit day for Ellesmere Port Catholic High School and Congleton High School where 6th form chemistry students visit the global center for a lab tour. During the visit, our chemists explain how they are involved in the process of creating new products, from their initial concept through to final production. The students are given an insight into the career opportunities available at Innospec for post-16 study, including a range of pathways for pupils interested in pursuing a career in chemistry.
US Manufacturing Week
Throughout Manufacturing Week in the US, students in Rowan and Salisburt have the opportunity to tour our R&D center and hear about our manufacturing facilities. This initiative not only celebrates the achievements of our manufacturing sector but also aims to inform students about its significant impact on our community. By hosting a tour, we aim to increase brand recognition and awareness among our future workforce.
Education in the local community
Future Career Days
In 2024, Innospec employees participated in two future career days in Salisbury, NC, US. The first was called the ‘When I Grow Up’ careers event, bringing together 13,300 10-11 year olds to learn about career options and speak directly with professionals about their experiences. The second was the ‘Aspire & Hire Day’, enabling junior and senior high school students to speak to employers about potential job opportunities. They were also able to share their resumes and discuss areas for improvement.
Whitby High School
A team of Innospec’s technical Performance Chemical chemists participate in the annual Whitby High School, UK, Science Day, bringing professional chemistry into the classroom. Pupils are led through an interactive lab experience by our Innospec chemists, making their own shampoos using professional lab equipment. Our chemists showcased some of our shampoo formulations and pupils were taught about the roles of various ingredients. These sessions encouraged pupils to explore the science behind the products they use every day.
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Innospec are proud supporters of the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, Widnes, UK school education program. Our technical chemists deliver insightful ‘Showering with Surfactants’ workshops, aimed at promoting science and formulation understanding to young people. Workshops involve interactive learning about the importance of surfactants and enable pupils to explore the science, before putting this knowledge into action and making their own shower gels. Our chemists leave pupils feeling motivated by a career in science.
Eco Careers Fair
In 2024, two of our employees based in Ellesmere Port, UK represented Innospec at the Great Meols Primary School’s Eco Careers fair, to discuss the importance of science in tackling global sustainability issues. The children were excited to test out some of the products from our Blue Ocean range, consisting of 8 formulations that provide innovative ways to reduce plastic, waste, and water in beauty care.