Maidenhead: GSK helps school children become industrial cadets

International healthcare company GSK is supporting students in schools in the Maidenhead area to become industrial cadets, an initiative which was launched by HRH the Prince of Wales earlier this year. GSK has a manufacturing facility in Maidenhead and has been using staff from that facility to act as mentors to teams of 13 and 14-year-old students who have been working on a project and other activities to enable them to graduate as industrial cadets. 

Industrial cadets is rapidly becoming established as the major route for enabling students at secondary schools to understand what happens in local companies like GSK, and how their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics equip them to follow interesting careers with such companies.

Head of engineering David Lynch said: “GSK firmly believes the industrial cadets programme represents a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation about the exciting and rewarding career paths in UK engineering and manufacturing. In support of this initiative we provide talented role models and engaging activities from within our diverse organisation. The programme firmly aligns with our commitment to supporting education in our communities, and with our mission to help people 'do more, feel better and live longer'."

Industrial Cadets was inspired by the Prince of Wales during a visit to Teeside when he discussed with management the need to enable local students to understand industry and the career opportunities that local industry offers. Following a pilot project by Tata Steel, education charity EDT has been tasked with rolling out industrial cadets nationally, and GSK is one of a number of major companies taking a lead in developing this initiative.

Dr Gordon Mizner, chief executive of EDT, said: “There is a major skills gap forecast in science and engineering roles over the next twenty years and it is this generation of school students that need to be inspired into undertaking the studies that will equip them to close that gap.

"Unfortunately at the same time it is clear that there is also a major gap in the knowledge of these students about the industries in their local area. Their perception of engineering and scientific careers needs to be changed significantly so they can be inspired into the jobs that exist with companies like GSK now and in years to come.

"Industrial Cadets provides the framework and opportunity to do just that and we need other companies, large and small, to follow the lead given by GSK and to play their part in helping develop their future workforce. It is by meeting role models working in local industry and by seeing the breadth of job opportunities available that they will be convinced that there are exciting and fruitful careers to be found in the industries on their doorstep.”

Six teams each comprising six students from Claires Court Schools and Altwood CE School in Maidenhead and from Wycombe Abbey in High Wycombe, have been working with mentors from GSK on a project to consider the use of energy in their school buildings and have visited the GSK facilities in Maidenhead to better understand how their school studies can equip them for careers in commerce.