Intertek experts working to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and engineering
14/06/2013
Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to industries around the world, is helping to inspire future generations of scientists through participation in ‘The Big Bang’ event at The Roundhouse in Derby on 2 July.The Big Bang event, aimed at 12 to 19 year olds, brings together local Government, educational institutions, industry and the wider science and engineering communities to encourage more young people to consider a career in science or engineering. Part of an on-going education programme, this will be the third East Midlands event, with similar events being held in the West Midlands and in London.
Intertek’s own expertise includes scientists, consultants, technicians and engineers with backgrounds across many different disciplines, including chemistry and chemical engineering, industrial engineering, biology food science, electrical engineering, health and environmental sciences and research doctorates.
With a global network of experts in over 100 countries, Intertek supports the development of new scientists. Chetan Parmar, part of Intertek’s UK Executive Board, said of the project: “Over recent years, science as a career choice seems to have fallen out of favour for many young people, but it’s interesting, exciting and genuinely makes a difference in the world. Science isn’t just formulae and equations in text books – The Big Bang event gives young people a chance to see practical science, used in the real world, making a difference to our communities.”
Intertek will be demonstrating a range of non-destructive testing techniques used to test materials and components, relating them to our everyday lives, from the routine testing undertaken on heat transfer assemblies in the power stations that provide electricity, to the testing of aircraft engine turbine blades, checking for defects and irregularities. Students will also have the opportunity to look through powerful microscopes at objects that are familiar to them but magnified 40 times; just as our technicians would view through a microscope the structure of a steel sample in order to verify the suitability of the material prior to it being used in a manufacturing process.
The event is sponsored by Derby City Council, University of Derby, Derby College, Institute of Physics and the Royal Society for Chemistry (RSC) and organisers hope to attract over 1,500 students from schools across the East Midlands. The event itself is being held in the world’s oldest steam locomotive roundhouse workshop, which was renovated at a cost of £48 million in 2009. Built in 1839 by George Stevenson, the 16-sided building still houses the large turntable on which locomotives were manoeuvred for repair and has now been designated a Grade II listed building.
Intertek employs over 35,000 people across more than 100 countries, the large majority of whom use science every day in their jobs. Louise King, HR from Intertek, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for Intertek to be involved in such a worthwhile event, which inspires the next generation and raises awareness of the full range of opportunities within our company.”
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