Inkjet digital printing specialist Xaar has introduced Early Careers, an initiative targeted at schools, colleges and universities and part of a drive to heighten the awareness of career opportunities within inkjet digital printing.
Specifically being run for the benefit of educational institutions with the company’s local area around Cambridge in the UK, Xaar has developed the Early Careers initiative as a wide-ranging programme of engagement. This is aimed at building strong and interactive relationships, from primary and secondary schools, up to colleges, universities and also apprenticeship organisations. This, the company stated, will improve not only awareness of the opportunities available within Xaar directly, but also encourage interest and engagement in STEM subjects for students.
The 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 shortly. Projects are also underway at a local secondary school, St Peter’s in Huntingdon, to showcase opportunities for careers in the sector for year 11 students. In addition, a dozen 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. Further, Xaar recently welcomed the members of Stukeley Meadows Imagineering Club to its factory in Huntingdon. The pupils enjoyed activities such as building a tower from spaghetti and marshmallows, designing and creating their own fidget spinner – which was 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. Plans are in place to extend Xaar’s Early Careers programme further in 2023.
Helen Clifton, learning and development manager at Xaar, said, ‘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 futureproof the pipeline of talent that our industry requires.’
Offering events as diverse as running a STEM Imagineering Club for local schools and funding engineering scholarships and apprenticeships is all part of Xaar’s commitment to showcasing the skills and expertise required to pursue a career in inkjet technology.
Xaar chief operating officer Graham Tweedale said, ‘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.’
