CATCH Apprenticeships Schools engagement team is expanding their interaction with students by collaborating with employers on STEM projects within schools. The aim for these projects is to enhance the understanding of the transition to net zero industry, as well as linking curriculum to careers. One of the projects that is due to launch in the region is the Air Product’s Hydrogen Challenge. This project is tasking young students from key stage 3 to work in teams to develop a promotional campaign that would encourage a local transport firm to change their vehicles to hydrogen fuel.

Air Products is also one of the main sponsors for this year’s National Careers Challenge project for year 7 students which collaborates with other companies on building essential skills, awareness, and careers for young people across the UK.

In January, James McIntosh, Chief Commercial Officer and Caitlin Brewitt, Schools Engagement Coordinator were invited to attend the launch of the National Careers Challenge hosted at the House of Lord in courtesy of Baroness Morgan. Air Products Project lead, Lynn Willacy represented Air Product at this event, to share the STEM project which they will be hosting with CATCH across ten schools in the Northeast Lincolnshire Area.

James McIntosh said “We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with one of our members, Air Products, on their exciting engagement project. The work they are doing in the region with local schools is vital to ensure they have the people interested in the careers they are offering in the net zero industry with their hydrogen projects. The fact we are involved at the start of the programme and then also train Air Products apprentices, is a true partnership approach which we value greatly.”

Caitlin adds “We are very thankful to Lynn and Air Products for allowing us to join their project and look forward to getting local schools involved in this brilliant event. Having projects like this within schools widens students’ awareness of the industry and its changes whilst linking their curriculum lessons to future careers. In addition to this project, there will be further employer STEM Projects taking place, which will expand with further support from employers and schools.

Lynn Willacy, Community & STEM Ambassador, Air Products: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with CATCH. We have sponsored the National Careers Challenge for four years and the inclusion of careers advice and apprenticeship information is a great addition to the programme, and links nicely to future Air Products projects that will be in the local area. We look forward to working with CATCH to inspire students with their future careers.”