Applications Open for Hersham/Basingstoke Students to Experience Life as an Engineer

Secondary school pupils from the Hersham and Basingstoke areas will have the chance to leave the classroom and become engineers for a week, as Hersham-based Air Products (NYSE: APD), a world leading industrial gas company, has opened applications for its annual engineering work experience programme.

A group of 20 students will have the opportunity to visit the firm’s European Headquarters from 22 to 26 June to get a taste of what it’s like to work at a global engineering company.  The invitation to apply has been extended to all Year 10 to Year 13 students and details of the programme have been distributed to all schools within the local area.

As part of the five full days of engineering activities, attendees will gain useful experience to put towards a career in chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering. They will spend a day exploring an operating plant, develop essential skills valued by employers, shadow a real-life Air Products’ engineer and meet recent engineering graduates to learn about their experiences.

Mike Cawthra, Technical Manager Operations, Air Products Europe said: “It’s vital to encourage the next generation to consider a career in engineering, so the industry can continue to evolve with fresh thinking and bright ideas.  To do that, we need to open our doors to students at a young age and show them how exciting and varied an engineering career can be.

“Work experience programmes such as ours give students an insight into the diverse careers engineering has to offer to both boys and girls.  We want to show people that the ‘man in a hard hat’ perception of engineers is completely inaccurate as opportunities exist for everyone. There are so many avenues for students to explore and we’re delighted to be able to give them a first look.”

Anyone interested in applying should send a CV and cover letter to council@airproducts.com by Sunday 1 March.