UTC Sixth Form students ‘fire it up’ with local employer

Sixth Form students were given the opportunity to explore local fire safety testing company, Element (also known as WarringtonFire) and discover more about the opportunities within this fascinating area of science and engineering.

The students got first-hand experience of how the company operates from Element’s science and engineering experts who hosted them for the day. They began the day having a health and safety induction before touring the company’s two core departments, Fire Resistance and Reaction to Fire.

Throughout the day, students watched a variety of experiments, witnessing the reactions of different products and materials once they were on fire as part of the company’s testing and investigation process. In the onsite laboratories, students also got to see what happens to the material in the next steps of the process and how Element analyse the results for their clients.

“I didn’t know what to expect visiting WarringtonFire, no other company locally does what they do. Exploring the site, I had never seen anything like it. Watching a product being burnt and tested in a large furnace was incredible and touring the fire resistance laboratories was fascinating. I’m looking to find a career path that allows me to blend my passion for chemistry and engineering together. This experience ignited my interested in finding out more about their career opportunities and the degree apprenticeships they have to offer.”

-Ross, Year 13

Element

Element are the UK’s leading fire safety testing company. At their site in Warrington they offer a comprehensive range of impartial and independent fire safety services to a diverse range of sectors across the world. The company are incredibly successful and as they are about to quadruple in size, they are looking for passionate and talented students to become part of their workforce. Element needs young engineers and scientists who will help them grow their services in testing and inspection. UTC is working closely with them to help develop a future talent pipeline for the company. Experiences like these help to open students eyes to the variety of engineering sectors on their door step and the vast amount of STEM roles available to them.