The penultimate day at BP was spent at their formulated products and technology centre in Pangbourne, Berkshire. This is where all the science happens and I was looking forward to this visit more than any of the other sites…I was not disappointed. The site is host to 600+ people with about 200 involved in R & D related to new fuels and engine technology.
Once again, BP demonstrated the importance of “skills for life” in seeking out potential employees. However, you cannot hide from the technical and scientific skills required in order to be a world leader in cutting edge science and technology. As I said in my last post “Skills should be used alongside knowledge and one should not be at the expense of the other, as I am sure all teachers are pushing on a daily basis with their own classes”
The first person we met today came out of school having failed all four of his A-levels, attaining the almost unique set of grades of 2 Ns and 2 Us! Having spent some time working for Castrol (now a part of BP) part-time whilst doing A-levels, an opportunity arose within the firm some months later and employment followed with a company sponsored program that led to NVQs followed by an HND and ultimately a BSc in Chemistry. The same person is now applying to become a Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemistry. Initial failure does not mean doors are permanently closed. Initiative and determination are important skills for life that can dictate the path you chose to follow.
BP backs STEM teaching in schools and we heard about the numerous programs in place that allow employees to visit local school to deliver high quality science and engineering through the BPES program (BP Educational Service). Engineering, Science and Mathematics are delivered to Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils. Also, careers and “employability” advice forms a part of this program focussing on what your social media profile says about you…are the pictures and posts that you put on line the sort of thing you want your potential employer to see? They will always look you up! Can you use social media to manage and promote your own brand? Of course you can and this is another essential skill that all pupils need to understand. This is another aspect of PSHE and careers teaching in schools that needs some development.
Following these discussions, we had the opportunity to speak to three employees about the outreach work BP promote and actively engage in with local primary and secondary schools. All of the people we spoke to joined BP through their graduate program due to the technical nature of the work they are involved in. It was apparent that the possibility of an internship or a year in industry as part of a degree program was a major advantage and increased “employability” upon graduation.
It then got very technical as we discussed the R & D involved in the development of new fuels to burn more efficiently and the additives required to help keep engines clean for longer periods of time. Close relationships with the marketing and legal divisons of BP are essential to promote these new fuels and ensure the claims made can be justified by reference to good quality science data gathered in the BP laboratories – “How Science Works” in action!
Tomorrow we will be back at Sunbury. One of the sessions is titles “Chemistry” – it looks like it will be another good day…
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