Aid to Education

Our goal is to enhance the experience and opportunities available to students by working with schools, higher education institutions and educational charities.

We recognise the shortage of young people choosing science and engineering studies - disciplines directly related to the interests of our company. Therefore many of our social investment activities in this area are intended to excite students about science and engineering, whilst encouraging them to follow related-professions.

Institutions or organisations which serve, or are part of the education system are considered for support, particularly those that are located and in areas close to our plants and offices or where a significant number of our employees live and work.

Recent projects:

Supporting Bright Sparks

For a number of years, Air Products’ has – and continues to be – heavily involved in the prestigious, national welding competition, Skillweld.

Designed to showcase the skills of trainee welders, Skillweld aims to bring increased recognition to colleges, training providers and employers for their support and guidance in developing welding training and skills, whilst highlighting the requirement for young welders within industry.

“Maintaining a commitment to the training and development of young welders is key,” said Matthias Kuhn, Air Products’ General Manager - Packaged Gases for the UK and Ireland, “Skillweld entrants are judged against working industry standards, and as we know from experience they are highly accomplished, which clearly shows their importance to business. Linked to this is a strong need to encourage welding trainees and professionals to innovate – something we at Air Products’ know a lot about.”

You can find out more – or even apply for the competition –
by visiting www.airproducts.co.uk/skillweld

Engineering Careers for College Students

Two young Air Products’ engineers, Paul Denton and Gareth Pemberton, presented to 100 sixth-form students at ‘Engineering Your Future’ an event aimed to encourage young people to follow a career in Engineering.

The day-long seminar was run by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), Institute of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Engineering and Technology and SETPOINT for college students studying science and maths subjects.

Paul Denton control and instrument engineer said: "This was a great opportunity for us to encourage students to think about following a career in engineering. The shortage of young people entering our industry means it is really important we do as much as we can to redress this imbalance and help build the next generation of engineers."

Gareth Pemberton, quality control engineer and also an IMechE committee member at their Benelux branch said: "As part of our IMechE chartership we have to take part in community activities that promote the engineering profession; and the Engineering your Future event was an excellent way to do this with the support of Air Products. The students seemed to really enjoy the sessions and many were keen to hear about the Engineering Development Programme Air Products offers."

Science is fun for primary school students

Employees’ at our Wilton plant launched National Science and Engineering week at Newham Bridge Primary school in Middlesbrough. Pupils were presented with an exciting science demonstration, followed by ten brand new data-logging devices. Funded by Air Products, these hand-held mini computers, designed for outdoors, allow the children to record various data from the environment around them.
 
Jemma Hall, Facility Administrator at Wilton who organised the event, said: “Newham Bridge Primary does a wonderful job of nurturing their children and providing the best tools they can to build a bright future for every pupil. With Air Products' help, it is hoped the children can pitch their aspirations higher, and fulfill their true potential, hopefully, in the world of science.” 

Recently Air Products’ commitment to education was recognised at the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) Annual Celebration event, which celebrated successful links between industrial organisations and education in the region.

Air Products’ UK Science and Engineering Ambassador Programme is also a large part of our efforts in Education, tell me more…