10 March 2023
As part of our sustainability approach, we are committed to inspiring young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). So, our Italian site in Vado Ligure once again opened its doors to local students interested in learning more about careers in STEM.
The visit was part of an ‘open door’ initiative, known locally as Fabbriche Aperte Giovani. This annual event aims to inspire and encourage middle school students’ future career choices in science and innovation by providing a variety of ‘show and tell’ experiences that enable them to see first-hand what’s involved.
As a long-term supporter, Infineum Italia joined together with twenty-four other Vado local businesses and a variety of scientific associations to host the hundreds of students who take part each year.
After a quick overview of Infineum’s business, the students were divided into three groups to join their Infineum hosts in visiting the Control Room and Labs, before taking part in a guided shuttlebus tour of the site.
The visit generated lots of questions, ranging from “Why are the pipelines on the field painted different colours?”, “What’s the white smoke we see in parts of the plant?”, to “Is there the possibility of cross contamination when loading the trucks” …all of which Giulia Pastorino, Contact Engineer and Paolo Canzilla, Utilities Unit Co-ordinator took in their stride.
Andrea Villani, Vado Plant Contact Engineer, said: “I was happy to share our passion for STEM and witness the students’ attitude and curiosity during the visit. The Control Room provided a unique opportunity for the students to increase their awareness and understanding of just how important STEM disciplines are, by experiencing how some of the theoretical concepts they study are put into practice.”
Angela Latini, Vado Plant Technical Leader said: “I was as asked by one student ‘Why do you love your job?’. I explained that I love my job because it allows me to take an active part in the business and enables me to be involved in most aspects of how it develops.
The successful visit wouldn't have been possible without the help of colleagues taking time out of their busy schedules to help prepare inspiring content and host the students. They used their "volunteering day" to participate in the STEM activities.
The volunteering day is a benefit offered to every Infineum employee globally and consists of an extra day of annual leave that can be used to support their community. It is part of our Sustainability approach and helps us deliver on the UN sustainability goal 3 in supporting people and communities.
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