Case studies: industry partners
How Sartorius engages with Children Challenging Industry
Many UK industries face a growing skills gap in STEM roles. One impactful way to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers is through direct engagement with children, and that's exactly what Sartorius is doing through the Children Challenging Industry (CCI) programme.
Bringing STEM careers to life
CCI, run by the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), links primary schools with companies to bring real-world science into the classroom. For Sartorius, this means helping children understand what it takes to design and manufacture high-tech lab equipment, like their robotic bioreactor, the Ambr 15.
In the design lab, exploring how computer-aided design allows you to plan ahead.
The company works with a CIEC advisory teacher who delivers hands-on classroom science lessons linked to real challenges from the pharmaceutical industry. Children explore topics like filtration, viscosity, and ideal growing conditions for microbes; mirroring the real problems solved by STEM professionals.
The highlight of the programme is a visit to Sartorius’ site, where children meet employees from across the company, from engineers and designers to lab technicians, each sharing their role in creating the Ambr 15. The children get a full picture of how different careers and skills contribute to one product, and crucially, they see people just like them working in science and technology.
Where on-site visits aren't possible, trained STEM ambassadors visit the schools to share their experiences and run engaging activities with the children.
Selecting the components ready for assembly from an automated parts machine.
Being part of this programme is a great team-building experience. It reminds us of the value in what we do, and how important it is to share that with the next generation. It’s also part of the long-term solution to the skills gap in STEM.
Dominic Bushnell, Head of Operations Site at Sartorius
Benefits for business
Team pride and motivation: Staff feel proud to share their work and engage with young people.
Communication training: Employees receive support in how to talk about and share hands-on activities that demonstrates their work in accessible and inspiring ways.
Future workforce building: By connecting with children early, companies help shape career aspirations.
And the children?
They leave inspired, curious, and more aware of the STEM opportunities ahead.
Children assemble the parts for the Ambr 15.
Some people think science isn’t important, but it is. I’ll use this memory when I decide what I want to be.
CCI student
Join us
The CCI model is simple, effective, and scalable. Whether you can host site visits or offer ambassadors, your business can make a real difference.
Find out more about becoming an industry partner or get in touch with the CIEC team at ciec@york.ac.uk.
Preparing the liquids to put into Ambr 15, to grow the yeast in.