Beck Greener launches Schools Project

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Beck Greener Schools Project, a new initiative within the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

In the first stage of this project our aim is to inspire and encourage young people to consider careers involving STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, working with the charity STEMNET to visit schools and support events such as the popular “Big Bang Fair” and “Speed-Careers” events.  We will also be supporting teachers in the classroom by explaining the career opportunities in intellectual property that may be available to students.

Earlier this year, twelve Beck Greener patent attorneys underwent training with STEMNET to become STEM Ambassadors and, on 17 June, two of the newly-qualified Ambassadors, Avi Freeman and Charlotte Jemmett, gave a career talk to Year 12 students at the William Ellis School in Highgate.  They talked about inventions, patents and the role of patent attorneys, as well a running a group activity showing the students how to spot an invention.  They explained about how to become a patent attorney, what the job involves and what to expect.

Following the session, Charlotte Jemmett commented “Awareness for alternative jobs in science was low, so it was great to be able to provide an insight into other ways of using STEM subjects”.

Beck Greener patent attorneys will be also be judging the Years 7 to 9 STEM projects at the Big Bang Fair at Copthall School on Friday, June 24, and attending the Big Bang Fair at Westminster Academy on Wednesday, July 13.

We hope to expand the Beck Greener Schools Project in the future by offering skills training to Years 11 and 12 students, and eventually offering work experience to university students interested in pursuing a career in IP.

If you would like further information about our CSR activities or about the Schools Project, please contact James Stones, who is the Partner responsible for CSR, or Catherine Jewell, who is leading this project.  In the meantime, watch this space for further reports!