An exciting local partnership project is well underway at West College Scotland with Dalry based, DSM, a global purpose-led, science-based company specializing in Nutrition, Health & Sustainable Living.

The project focuses on developing a pathway to encourage and increase the number of young people from disadvantaged areas within North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde progressing to study and employment across STEM disciplines.

Aiming to promote careers in STEM including opportunities within DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Ltd, the partners have engaged with pupils from Notre Dame Secondary, Clydeview Academy; St Columbas High; St Andrew’s Academy Linwood High; Trinity High and Vale of Leven Academy to deliver the SSERC accredited 3-day Safety in Microbiology course delivered at West College Scotland’s Paisley, Greenock and Clydebank campuses.

The local S6 pupils have attended over recent months to complete the short course which covers a range of processes including sub-culturing micro-organisms and record keeping; smear preparation and Gram stain; identification of micro-organisms; disinfection and sterilisation and treatment of spillages and safe waste disposal. Achievement of the qualification should support the group in their application for STEM subjects at university or to developing a career in STEM.

The completion certificates were then presented at each secondary school location by our Science lecturing team to at their school assemblies to celebrate the pupils success and progression.

David Mills, People Partner Operations Dalry said,

“DSM Dalry has a long and valued partnership with West College Scotland, in supporting young men and women into a STEM related career, through our award-winning apprenticeship programme. Where young people learn new skills from our industry experts and are involved in exciting new developments in both science and engineering. Supporting STEM engagement programs such as this will continue to play an important and integral part of our business sustainability and employee recruitment strategy.”