Bringing laboratory science to life for Highland pupils
A hands-on Laboratory Science workshop at MacGregor’s Industrial Supplies has demonstrated the impact of bringing employers, education and industry expertise together to inspire the next generation of STEM talent.
Pupils studying Skills for Work: Laboratory Science at Dingwall and Culloden Academies had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom during a special workshop delivered by RESILIENCE – the UK Medicines Manufacturing Skills Centre of Excellence.
Led by Dr Nicole Barnes, Digital Technology Fellow and Training Officer at RESILIENCE, the session combined careers information, practical laboratory activities and mixed and virtual reality experiences. Pupils explored safe laboratory practice and had the chance to experience technologies and processes that would not normally be possible within a classroom environment, including working with bioreactors.
A key part of the day was connecting the practical activities with the world of work. Employers and professionals from across the Highlands joined the session to share their experience and demonstrate how laboratory skills are used in real working environments.
Supporting the workshop were professionals from UHI Inverness, GlucoRx Technologies, NHS Highland and NHS Highland Pharmacy, alongside Laboratory Science teachers from Culloden and Dingwall. Katie Elder, STEM Improvement Officer at Highland Council, and Liz Fletcher and Sandy Mackenzie from DYW Inverness & Central Highland also supported the event.
Lifescan supported the same Laboratory Science activity at Dornoch, further strengthening opportunities for young people to connect their learning with local industry.
Liz Fletcher, Programme Lead at DYW Inverness & Central Highland, said,
“We very much enjoyed facilitating this workshop and engaging with pupils, teachers, employers and DYW. I want to thank MacGregor’s Industrial Supplies for providing the space to deliver the workshops and all the employers who attended and participated in the Lab Skills sessions.
“Through conversations with pupils, employers provide the real-world context to these experiences. Often it isn’t possible to take groups of young people into a working lab due to the nature of the sterile environment. These workshops give pupils the chance to try career-related skills in a controlled environment, learn about safe laboratory practice and experience opportunities that aren’t available in the classroom, using mixed and virtual reality technologies such as bioreactors.”
The workshop is part of wider work by DYW Inverness & Central Highland, Highland Council and schools across the region to bring STEM learning to life.
The Skills for Work: Laboratory Science course gives pupils hands-on experience and develops practical laboratory skills linked to careers across healthcare, food and drink, biotechnology, engineering, energy, environmental science and testing.
For employers, getting involved provides an opportunity to inspire future talent, showcase the real-world applications of laboratory skills and help strengthen the connection between education and industry.
There are lots of ways businesses can support the courses, from sharing career journeys and industry insight, to hosting site visits, supporting employability workshops or working with pupils on project-based learning. Employers can also help teachers build their understanding of the sector and the skills needed in the workplace.
By opening the door to industry, employers can help young people understand where their learning can take them – while playing an important role in developing the skilled workforce the Highlands will need in the future.
Watch the workshop in action
The activity was also featured by BBC Alba, showcasing the experience and the opportunities created when young people, education and industry come together.
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