Last week we welcomed six Year 9 students from our local secondary school, Gosford Hill, to spend a day exploring the science behind our adhesives technologies and engage in discussions about career pathways and managing setbacks.
How it all began
The relationship with Gosford Hill School began earlier this year when we visited Headmaster, Nigel Sellers, and Careers Lead, Sue Zajac, to discuss supporting STEM engagement and career pathways. The visit was part of a new initiative led by our HR Manager, Annie, who, back on International Women’s Day, pledged to do something tangible to inspire girls in our local community.
Practical and interactive learning
The students heard from members of our team about their personal and academic journeys, from GCSEs to PhDs, and took part in interactive sessions where they experimented with UV curing, dispensing temporary masking agents, and even measured wetting using one of our surface measurement instruments.
There were also broader sessions about managing rejection, career changes, and what they might look for in a future workplace. The students then went away with the task of writing a letter to their future self. Something we hope they’ll open in a year’s time to reflect on how they might have grown.
A valuable experience for all
Mia, one of the students who attended the workshop, reflected:
“The activities were not only engaging but also exposed me to career paths that I’ve never come across. It was inspiring to hear the firsthand experiences from the speakers about their career journeys and something that will stay with me is that rejection and feedback are a part of life and not to be seen as a negative but a positive.”
Sue Zajac, Careers Lead at Gosford Scommented: “Intertronics really have set the bar very high indeed for such an employer encounter and given me personally much food for thought.”
Intertronics’ HR Manager, and organiser of the workshop, Annie Dickerson, said: “Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day made all the planning and preparation worthwhile. I hope the girls took something away from the day, whether it has strengthened their interest in pursuing a STEM-related career or simply shown them that everyone’s professional journey looks different – and that’s ok.”
As always, Intertronics remains committed to supporting our community and chosen charities and wish the Gosford girls every success in their studies and future careers.
