Lording it up
A small nuclear energy company on the North West coast tells us about the real business benefits of being part of STEMNET’s Ambassadors Programme.
One of the biggest challenges of all, we’re told, has been attracting good-quality young recruits over the years. ‘We’re a small knowledge-based company, which means people are definitely our most important asset,’ Pete Woolaghan, Director at REACT, explains. ‘But, after setting up the business, we quickly found it difficult to get new employees. The fact we’re a high-tech company in the engineering industry can make it harder still.’
When asked about REACT’s reasons for joining the programme, Pete commented:
‘I should say, this has never been a solely altruist gesture. We’re always looking for those who will make this company a success in the future. There are real business requirements and benefits of being involved – it’s a business strategy as well as being great fun. Companies like ours need to start with good people, because these people will be the ones who will make the company profitable.’
Since working with STEMNET, Pete says that he has been struck by how closely the programme’s objectives have fitted with those of his own company. Suggesting that their partnership with STEMNET has been nothing short of excellent, he brings particular attention to the fact that there haven’t been rules and regulations to get through, and that Tony Gill – their local STEMNET contact – has added real value without expecting changes.
All of this has meant that the last 18 months have been busy at the company’s Whitehaven offices. Employees have hosted a Science & Engineering show for 2,000 Year 6 pupils. They established ‘Into Engineering Week’, where Year 12s took part in a simulated project and pitched their ideas to local dignitaries. And the REACT Foundation was rolled out – a charity that provides a bursary to encourage local young people to go to university.
It’s all been worthwhile, Pete adds enthusiastically. ‘People are choosing to go into further education and then coming back to the company. The message is: have a think about science and engineering as a profession. If you don’t want to work in the field, that’s OK. But at least think about it.’
‘We’re now accepting two people a year onto our Year in Industry Scheme, and we’ve had some tremendous candidates. In one case, a candidate inspired us to set up another company – in offshore wind farming. We’re also speaking to this person about being Managing Director.’
As recognition of REACT’s efforts with primary and secondary schools in Cumbria, the company received a well-deserved Most Dedicated Company award in March 2008. Collecting the award from Lord Sainsbury at the House of Lords, Pete stressed the rewarding nature of his work as an ambassador. ‘Working towards the charity represents some of the best days I have,’ he repeats to us.
He adds: ‘Lord Sainsbury mentioned the importance of good careers advice – good advice in order to make informed choices. He believes that it’s young people who can improve the health of our economy here in the UK. And I think it’s incumbent of engineers like us to go out and talk about our profession. Because, if you can’t get excited about science? Well...’
For more about the REACT Foundation, visit www.react-engineering.co.uk.
