Hydraulics & Pneumatics September 2022

NEWS In support of its Sustainability Roadmap goals, Xaar has developed a wide-ranging programme of engagement with local schools, colleges and universities in a drive to heighten the awareness of career opportunities within its industry. The Xaar Early Careers initiative is designed to build strong, interactive relationships with a host of education groups, from primary and secondary schools, to colleges, universities and apprenticeship organisations, improving awareness of the opportunities available within Xaar and also encouraging interest and engagement in STEM subjects for students. Offering events as diverse as running a STEM Imagineering Club for local schools, and funding engineering scholarships and apprenticeships, Xaar comments that it is committed to showcasing the skills and expertise required to pursue a rewarding career in inkjet technology. Sparking interest Through several channels spread across the education system, Xaar is looking to engage with students and individuals who are at an early stage of exploring their career options, to spark their interest in a STEM related career, and translate textbook learning into workplace practice. Helen Clifton, learning & development manager at Xaar, says: “Not only will Xaar’s Early Career Programme open up new opportunities and areas of interest for students to explore, but it will establish our business as a progressive, engaged and inclusive employer, ensuring we can future proof the pipeline of talent that our industry requires.” This initiative to promote careers in STEM related sectors is already bearing fruit, with several sponsored internships, as well as three new apprentices already working within Xaar’s group of companies and more starting this month. Projects are also under way at a local secondary school, St. Peter’s in Huntingdon, to showcase opportunities for careers in the sector for year 11 students. In addition, 12 year-6 students at local primary school, Stukeley Meadows attend a weekly STEM club hosted by members of Xaar’s Imagineering group (all of whom are registered members of the Imagineering Foundation, introducing young people to the world of STEM). Xaar recently welcomed the members of Stukeley Meadows Imagineering Club to its factory in Huntingdon. The pupils enjoyed tasks such as building a tower from spaghetti and marshmallows, designing and creating their own fidget spinner (3D printed with Xaar’s inkjet printheads) and taking part in a design challenge to create a winner’s trophy that will now be produced as a 3D print and presented at a later STEM club meeting. Commitment Graham Tweedale, Xaar’s chief operating officer, says: “This ambitious programme is testament to Xaar’s commitment to supporting local schools, colleges and communities, and by promoting our culture and brand values, we help maintain the flow of talent into our business.” Plans are in place to extend Xaar’s Early Careers programme still further in 2023. 6 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2022 www.hpmag.co.uk Xaar commits to finding its next generation of engineers with new programme