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Inspiring the Next Generation

Raising awareness of careers in the sciences and industry is an important part of our responsibility to the next generation. Many of our employees spend time engaging with schools and educational centers, providing support and advice for the future.

On-site school visits

Our Ellesmere Port, UK site hosted two separate school visits days for Helsby High School, during which 17 pupils aged 14-15 experienced working in a professional chemistry lab making shampoos and shower gels. Pupils were taken on a site tour, given the opportunity to have a hands-on fire safety session and discovered the roles of various PPE, demonstrating the variety of professions that can be found in a chemical plant. Feedback following the school visits was positive, with many pupils left inspired by the role of a chemist having developed their science skills.

Our Ellesmere Port site also held a school visit day for Ellesmere Port Catholic High School where 15 6th form chemistry students visited the global center for a lab tour. During the visit, our chemists explained how they are involved in the process of creating new products, from their initial concept through to final production. The Students were given an insight into the career opportunities available at Innospec for post-16 study, including apprenticeships, offering a range of pathways for pupils interested in pursuing a career in chemistry.

Our team in Salisbury had 16 students from North Rowan High School visit as part of US Manufacturing week, encouraging the scientists of tomorrow and supporting young people in the local community. They visited the Performance Chemicals Technical Center and participated in hands-on lab demonstrations.

In Saint Mihiel our site has partnered with ENSIC (Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Industrie Chimique) Chemical High School. 3 employees are ‘Jury members’, meaning that they support the school by participating in key school events, such as graduation ceremonies, and supporting the candidate selection process.

Education in the local community

A team of Innospec’s technical Performance Chemical chemists participated in the annual Whitby High School, UK, Science Day, bringing professional chemistry into the classroom. 120 pupils were 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.

Innospec are proud supporters of the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, Widnes, UK school education program. Our technical chemists delivered insightful ‘Showering with Surfactants’ workshops, aimed at promoting science and formulation understanding to young people. Workshops involved interactive learning about the importance of surfactants and enabled pupils to explore the science behind the products they use, before making their own shower gels. Through providing expertise and raw materials, our chemists left pupils feeling motivated by a career in science. In 2023, 8 members of our Research and Technology team were able to engage with 352 high school pupils at this event.