BCF Annual Handbook 2019/2020 handbook 2019 2 | Page 51

COATINGS AMBASSADORS SECTION TITLE Coatings Ambassadors - connecting the sector with schools In partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Surface Coatings Special Interest Group and the Paint Research Association, BCF has announced a new Coatings Ambassadors programme, to help connect the coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings industries with schools. The programme, coordinated by Cogent Skills, aims to create a network of industry professionals who engage, inspire & enthuse young people into careers within the coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings industries. This is key, as often, parallel associations are promoting the same messages about industry careers. The Coatings Ambassadors programme will ensure these efforts are joined up and carried out effectively. Any interested individuals, working in industry within BCF, PRA, The Coatings Ambassadors programme presents a variety of or Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) member companies professional development opportunities for all involved, including are invited to become enhancing confidence and Coatings Ambassadors, skills in delivering talks on and visit local schools to careers, and opening new promote industry careers. doors to promote careers Coatings Ambassadors in the industry to the participate in a training next generation of talent. session, facilitated by Coatings Ambassadors Cogent Skills, to enhance also have access to a new their skills in working with networking platform for young people, parents, individuals passionate teachers and careers about promoting careers Students from Warwick University at the BCF’s careers evening advisors. A key part of in the industry, and get the training, involves an an opportunity to speak interactive activity which Coatings Ambassadors will deliver as one to one with students about the career pathways within their part of their talks at schools. The training sessions are delivered businesses. in a small group format, with a maximum of 15 ambassadors, and BCF will be hosting the first session at Spectra House in May If you would like to become a Coatings Ambassador, 2019. please contact [email protected] As part of the programme, Cogent will create coatings specific support materials and tools for all involved associations and ambassadors to use at careers events and training sessions. BCF careers evening with Warwick University At the start of the new year, BCF welcomed 25 students from Warwick University to Spectra House, where representatives across a variety of business functions from 8 BCF member companies, presented on career opportunities to students. BCF thank those who came out to support the event, which Speakers from member companies at BCF’s Careers Evening included a prosecco and pizza networking session, giving students the opportunity to speak to members one on one about the career opportunities within the businesses. A further session, and other similar sessions, will be scheduled towards the end of the year. If you would like to participate in future sessions, please contact [email protected] BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2019/20 51