The Challenge
For several years, Cogent Skills has worked with Victrex, a global leader in high-performance polymer solutions. Victrex has been a champion for skills through its membership of the Science Industry Partnership (SIP) – an innovative, employer-led collaborative forum which brings together science-based employers around the UK.
Victrex is committed to inspiring the next generation of talent through engagement with local schools and colleges. As a member of the Science Industry Partnership (SIP), Victrex is an active participant in the Not Just Lab Coats (NJLC) ambassador programme to promote science-based careers to young people.
The company is regularly approached by schools across the area for support with STEM-related careers outreach and guidance. While this demand reflects Victrex’s local reputation, the volume of requests had become increasingly difficult to manage with internal resources alone.
Victrex recognised the need for a broader outreach network and saw an opportunity to involve other local employers in the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, which were keen to engage with young people but lacked the tools or confidence to get started.
The Solution
Victrex held its second NJLC ambassador training day in December 2024. Led by Cogent Skills’ Careers Manager, Rachel Brickell, the session supported new ambassadors in building their delivery skills and finding engaging ways to talk to young people about the variety of careers in the science sector.
The company also invited staff from two neighbouring companies – Addison Group UK and AGC Chemicals Europe – also based in the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone. These employers had shown interest in developing their outreach activities, and the training offered a valuable opportunity they might not have accessed otherwise.
Impact
The training received excellent feedback from all participating businesses and Victrex staff. Attendees particularly valued Rachel’s delivery and the chance to learn alongside Victrex employees, many of whom were already experienced STEM ambassadors.
Sustainability and ESG Manager at Victrex, Georgia Thomas, said: “It’s fantastic for young people to gain awareness of three manufacturing and engineering businesses which are committed to student engagement and early careers opportunities. Even better is our decision to unite on one site – showcasing the breadth of roles across our organisations.
“This collaboration not only demonstrates the diversity of careers available locally in science and technology but could be pivotal in retaining young talent in our area by showing them that the local labour market has real, inspiring options.”
Group Marketing and ESG Director at Addison Group, Sophie Addison, said: “The training was a brilliant experience for us. It gave us more confidence and practical tools to start engaging with schools in a way that feels impactful and authentic. Learning alongside Victrex and AGCE ambassadors, who were generous in sharing their experience, was especially valuable.
“We left feeling inspired and excited to play our part in showing young people the breadth of careers available in science and engineering and we also managed to establish a more collaborative approach.”
Learning and Development Officer at AGC Chemicals Europe, Sophie Whitworth, said: “The workshop was incredibly valuable to those at AGC Chemicals Europe. It provided our team with an opportunity to learn more about how to engage young people and ensure that they can provide meaningful interactions with our business.”
Following the session, Addison Group UK approached Victrex to develop a collaborative approach to local outreach. Recognising the benefit of showcasing a wider range of science and engineering careers collectively, representatives from all three businesses began meeting to align on shared goals and planning joint activities.
Since then, the group has delivered two successful school engagement sessions with at least two of the participating companies involved in each.
What’s Next
The collaboration which began with the NJLC training has since grown into a valuable partnership across local industries in the enterprise zone. The three companies continue to explore ways to build a coordinated programme of school visits, careers events and on-site experiences to broaden their collective impact.
Victrex and its partners remain committed to creating meaningful and inspiring interactions with young people, ensuring they are informed, excited, and supported in considering careers within science and engineering.
Through this joint effort – and continued support from SIP and Cogent Skills – they are working to secure a strong, diverse talent pipeline for the future of the UK science sector.
