Inspiring Future Innovators: STEM Careers Fair Engages Young Minds

Engaging the Next Generation in STEM

FCC Environment’s Mar Martinez Casas, the Input/Output Operations Manager at the Energy from Waste facility in Allington, recently participated in a careers fair at Maplesden Noakes School in Maidstone. The event aimed to inspire year 7 students to explore careers in the STEM sector.

Around 100 students attended the event, interacting with local businesses to spark interest in STEM fields. One of the standout activities was a treasure hunt that allowed students to engage with employers, demonstrating that STEM can be both educational and fun.

Mar particularly appreciated the forensic activities organized by the Metropolitan Police Forensic team, where students could step into the role of forensic investigators and participate in a mock Crime Scene Operation. Mar noted, “no one was hurt in the exercise, but much fun was had by all.”

The FCC Environment team at the Allington facility also offers public tours to schools and other interested groups. These tours aim to inform visitors about the benefits of using waste to generate renewable energy while educating them on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

For more information on arranging a visit, check out kentenviropower.fccenvironment.co.uk.

The Allington Integrated Waste Management Facility has been operational since December 2008, recovering energy from non-recyclable, non-hazardous waste. The facility can process up to 550,000 tonnes of mixed waste annually for energy recovery, along with an additional 65,000 tonnes of materials suitable for recycling.