Students visit Briar Chemicals to learn about career opportunities

Briar Chemicals welcomed a group of students from Wymondham College who are keen to pursue a career in chemistry or chemical engineering.

The visit was organised by Ms Edwards, Student Futures Coordinator at Wymondham College, following a visit earlier in the year from the college when a group of students met with Briar’s Site Manager, Tim Green and Head of Commercial, Susan Brench, to learn more about career prospects within a chemical manufacturing company.

After the successful visit and interest from more students, Ms Edwards organised a further visit. Ms Edwards said:

Visiting Briar Chemicals gave the students the chance to see how the chemistry they learn in lessons is applied in industry, and on such a vast scale. It was a fascinating insight into the workings of the plant, the challenges faced and the care taken to ensure maximum safety at every step of the process.

“The team involved were very knowledgeable, including the recent graduate and current student placement. Our students were able to ask about studying chemistry and chemical engineering at University and the career routes available to them. We were made very welcome and thanks to Briar Chemicals for the taking time and effort to make the visit a success.”

The college students were given the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing processes by being given a tour of the production plants and control rooms, enabling them to get a real insight into how some of the chemistry they may have come across in the classroom is used in a commercial.

James, a recent graduate who spent a year at Briar Chemicals in 2015 as part of his degree and who is now employed by the company, joined the group along with Carmina, Briar’s student work placement from Loughborough University to offer advice on the career options available. This information, along with the expertise advice from our Technical Specialists proved helpful to the college students.

Briar Chemicals regularly host visits from schools, colleges and the University across the region and welcome the opportunity to promote careers in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Working closely with youngsters of all ages, Briar Chemicals supports the future generation who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).