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Sterling Pharma Solutions and Industrial Technology Systems (ITS) have presented £2,000 to the Children Challenging Industry (CCI) Programme.

The donation has been made by Sterling on behalf of ITS Sales Account Manager, Joanne Rout, following her win at at the North East of England Process Industry Cluster’s (NEPIC) Annual Industry Awards 2022 for ‘Outstanding Contribution’. This year, Sterling sponsored NEPIC’s Outstanding Contribution Award, pledging the monetary donation to a charity of the winner’s choosing. This award recognises those in the industry who have made a significant contribution within the process sector and have been an inspiration to the people within it.

James Rogers, EVP and Site Head at Sterling’s Dudley, Northumberland facility, said: “We are pleased that through Joanne’s well-deserved win, we can support the CCI to provide training and resources to industry partners and primary school staff to ensure educational needs are met.

“We look forward to developing our relationship with the organisation and seeing how we can continue to support the work they do in the future, and we thank Joanne for highlighting this fantastic cause.”

The CCI Programme is run by the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), through the University of York, and has been in operation across England since 1996. This programme includes developing hands-on classroom activities for children and organising site visits to develop understanding and excitement about careers in science, bridging the gap between industry and learning.

Joy Parvin, Director at the CIEC, said: “Without such donations, this programme could not go ahead, and children would not appreciate the industry and careers on their doorstep.

“This would of course have not been possible without the support of companies such as Sterling, and with your help, hundreds of children will get this opportunity and some of them, I am sure, will become the STEM professionals of tomorrow.”

Joanne has worked in industry for over 30 years and since 2006, Joanne has volunteered as a STEM Ambassador, encouraging young people’s interest in science and engineering.  She has also worked as an educational consultant, supporting and delivering various science education initiatives and training to teachers. In her work with CIEC, University of York, she has been responsible for encouraging organisations across the North East and Yorkshire to host primary school visits to help showcase the range of career opportunities available in industry and raise aspirations amongst young people.

Joanne said, “I would like to thank Sterling and NEPIC for this award which I am very honoured to have won.  I had no hesitation in deciding to donate to CIEC to support their excellent Children Challenging Industry programme for primary schools and industry. I would also like to acknowledge the support for this programme from my colleagues at ITS.”

Philip Aldridge, CEO of NEPIC added: “We are very grateful for Sterling Pharma Solutions for supporting the NEPIC Industry Awards in 2022.  This year, there were 17 awards up for grabs that fell under 11 categories and had a staggering total prize fund of £26,000 – with £18,000 donated directly to local schools and programmes to support vital STEM education projects.

“We are very pleased that the prize money from Joanne Rout’s Outstanding Contribution award was donated to the CCI Programme, something NEPIC has supported financially and in kind for many years. CCI helps encourage children to see industry as an exciting career option, which is vital given that our industry sector is undergoing rapid growth.”

Sterling welcomed those involved, including Joanne Rout and Philip Aldridge to its site in Northumberland to tour the site and formally present the cheque (pictured alongside James Rogers).