International Day of Education at the BPF

As part of the Polymer Ambassadors Scheme, the BPF facilitates a toolkit which can be used in classrooms. The current kit is the “Olly’s Cool Box of Plastics”. However, we are currently developing a recycling kit. It will demonstrate how commodity plastics such as LDPE, PP, PS, PVC and PET can be identified using various tests. The goal is to become a “Recycling Champion” by the end of the session.

This scheme run jointly by the BPF and Cogent skills intends to get as many professionals in the industry into schools. With the ongoing pressure and false headlines against plastics, educating the public has become essential. The scheme is an initiative to encourage industry to teach children and students about the exciting world of polymers. The is to engage students with the paths within science, engineering and manufacturing. The training session includes a presentation by Cogent on how best to engage school kids and importantly understanding school policies with safeguarding kids. The BPF then demonstrates Olly's Cool Box of Plastics Kits which forms a key part of the Polymer Ambassador Scheme. The kit demonstration contains 5 simple science experiments which relate materials to everyday applications.

Once a year, the BPF jointly with the worshipful Horners Livery run the Polymer Apprentice of the Year Awards (PAYA’s). The competition aims to recognise the talented apprentices in our industry for their hardwork and outstanding achievements.  The awards is intended to encourage and support them in their career development. The winner is awarded £500 along with the ceremonial horn. Whilst the runner up is awarded £200 and also attends the awards ceremony. This year’s winner has been announced as Jordan Clayton of Polypipe (pictured) with the runner-up as Charles Thomas of St. David’s Assemblies. The awards ceremony will be held in March at the Haberdashers' Hall, London. The BPF encourages all members and non-members to enter their apprentices into this competition.                                                      

PolymerZone is a dedicated section within the BPF’s sites to education and skills within the plastics industry. The website contains information on running classroom training sessions (PolymerAmbassadors), interactive pages to help kids learn about plastics along with lesson planning (SchoolZone) and finally, a careers section to give insight into the wonderful careers within our industry (CareersZone). The website is currently undergoing updates and will continue to do so to increase traffic and interest. The Education and Skills Committee within the BPF have been suggesting ideas on how to improve the site for ease of use and to increase the content to becoming a resource.

Plastipedia is the “webs largest plastics encyclopaedia”. Over the years, the BPF has spotted a gap in knowledge and education within our industry. The website contains accurate scientific information which allows quick access to various information within one site. It has been a great success and attracts a huge amount of traffic every year. The different sectors are represented, and the website is always developing and expanding. Some companies who are considered to be experts in their specific discipline have contributed to content and provided very insightful content. The BPF encourages you to provide content where possible which it can post in Plastipedia.