Year 12 work experience - chem engineering

[Itisallastruggle]

I wondered if anyone has any suggestions for any work experience related to chemical engineering? My daughter has applied to so many places and they either say they don’t offer it, they only have online work experience or she’s too young to work with chemicals and machinery as she’s under 18.

She really wanted the experience to be useful and demonstrate a passion for the subject which she can talk about when applying to uni, but it feels like she will end up having to do something totally unrelated and explain this when asked at uni interviews etc. She’s asked her school for help and they’re trying to come up with ideas but that was a week ago and she’s heard nothing again.

Tried chemical companies, pharma companies, Rolls Royce, Severn Trent, two universities to shadow lecturers/work in labs. We’re in East Mids and can travel a bit but it has to be reasonably close to attend everyday for a week.

Any ideas or advice from parents whose children have been through the same thing, would be hugely appreciated.

Oh sorry @Itisallastruggle it does sound like she has made a good effort.

DW re uni tho; very few unis interview (apart from ox and Cambs) and there are other ways to evidence passion for the subject on the PS.

Is there anyone you know who could support? That often helps.

Could she apply for this? It does cost £, but not as madly expensive as some courses.

https://www.etrust.org.uk/chemical-engineering-at-ucl

The Institution of Chemical Engineers has a virtual work expertise programme. This suggests they know school
pupils won’t get anything with employers - not surprisingly. @Itisallastruggle The engineering institutions are brilliant sources of info and advice.

Try googling the phrase "summer school" for outreach courses between Y12 and Y13.

can she think laterally

• working in paint mixing at B&Q helps you learn about colours / dyes / different types of paint which are all relevant to chemistry.
• various types of food tech can link to chemistry (baking / preserving food)
• working a garden centre or builders yard would help learn about materials / solvents / building / adhesives etc.
• work in a recycling centre and look at how different types of plastics can be separated and recycled

also, remember that every other kid applying to uni will be in the same situation of lacking industry work experience. But being able to talk about how chemistry applies in the real world would be a real strength.