BUDDING young bio-scientists were given a hands-on introduction to a carbon neutral future they could lead.
Around 60 pupils from Darlington secondary schools were challenged with making bio-soap and plastic from potatoes as part of the annual Bioscience event run by Foundation for Jobs.
Year eight and nine pupils from Carmel College, Longfield Academy, Wyvern Academy and Haughton Academy at the Education Village worked in teams to carry out the experiments.
The event organised in partnership with Carmel Academy, which hosted the day, and delivered by a specialist team from Yorkshire based J & J Projects for Schools aimed to inspire the young people’s interest in scientific careers.
Darlington is now home to the CPI run National Biologics Manufacturing Centre and it is hoped inspiring the young people’s interest in bioscience careers before they leave school could lead to them pursuing careers in related industries.
A Foundation for Jobs spokesman said: “With the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre and an expected influx of bio-science companies either setting up in or moving to the town and surrounding area in the coming years these firms will undoubtedly require a wide range of skills and recruit from apprentice through to graduate level and the aim of the event was to inspire our young people to consider sciences and bio-sciences as a career.”
The national award winning Foundation for Jobs aims to inspire young people’s interest in the industry sectors which are set to create the most jobs in Darlington and the Tees Valley over the coming years by linking education with industry.
Funded by The Careers and Enterprise Company Foundation for Jobs is led by Darlington Borough Council and supported by the Darlington Partnership of private firms and public sector organisations. It has worked with around 8,000 young people since it was launched in January 2012.
For details on Foundation for Jobs contact programme co-ordinator Owen McAteer at owen.mcateer@darlington.gov.uk or visit www.foundationforjobs.co.uk