STUDENTS were given the chance to see the real life applications of lessons learnt in the classroom.

SRC Bede Sixth Form welcomed a visit from GMP chemist Iain Lawson.

There to help spread the word about the variety of careers available in the chemical industry, Iain said: “I would argue that trying to inspire the next generation of scientists is a key aspect of the job.”

“I was inspired by people I was introduced to through education. At school, college and university I had inspirational mentors and teachers and that is part of the reason why I am where I am.”

Now working for High Force Research at its Bowburn facility, Iain makes pharmaceuticals and other chemicals used in chemical trials.

He explains it was a school visit that sparked his ambition to work in the industry.

“We were fortunate enough to be taken to Procter & Gamble in Longbenton for a school visit,” he said.

“It highlighted that chemistry is not just about working at a bench top and showed us the many opportunities that are available.”

Now playing his part in passing that important message on, Iain visited Chemistry students at SRC Bede Sixth Form in Billingham, bringing with him a range of problem solving tasks.

“A lot of science is problem solving, working around the problem and applying your knowledge,” he said.

“The problems I brought were real problems that I have experienced in industry. It showed the students how what they are learning now can be important in the future.

“Sometimes in school you can’t see the real application of what you are learning. This showed them how that knowledge applies to the real world.”

Impressed with the students’ approach to the tasks, Iain said: “The first couple of problems required applying what the group have been learning as A level students. The next was something you would give to first or second year university students, but the group were well prepared and dealt with it with some guidance.”

Describing the chemical industry as “an enjoyable career path”, Iain said: “It is a case of trying to inspire the next generation.

“It is simple to talk about the chemical industry as a whole but it is such a diverse area. There are lots of opportunities out there with everything from becoming a lab-based chemist to working in Formula One!”

SRC Bede Sixth Form offers a variety of science courses among its full range of A level and A level equivalent courses. Still taking applications for courses starting in September
visit www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/a-levels/ for details or apply now at www.stockton.ac.uk/apply/