THE NUMBER of students at a Worcester college taking up science sector work placements has increased by 30 per cent since the opening of a new science centre.
Worcester Sixth Form College’s facility, which first opened its doors in 2014, has seen more students in the city developing specialist skills and expertise in science and technology.
Worcester City Council invested £125,000 to help make the building a reality.
The Sixth Form College has been working with local firm QinetiQ for the last two years, giving students the opportunity to experience problem solving in an industrial context.
Students taking part in the Engineering Educational Scheme currently meet engineers at QinetiQ once a week to discuss a challenging project the firm has set them, and to get guidance on next steps.
Coun Geoff Williams, City Council Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity, said: “Increasing the number of local people who can offer specialist skills in engineering, science or technology is a key objective set out in the Council’s City Plan.
“It’s fantastic to witness students gaining invaluable insights into what it is like to work in these industries, and we hope it will encourage many of them to pursue careers in these areas, which are so vital for the local economy.”
Michael Kitcatt, Principal of Worcester Sixth Form College, added: “We are extremely grateful both to the City Council for their support which has helped us to build and equip our new Science Centre, and to QinetiQ, who for the second year have supported our students involved in the Engineering Education Scheme.
“It is inspirational to see our students so engaged in working together to implement solutions to real engineering problems with input from the staff of QinetiQ.”
