NETPark Businesses Inspire Students at Sedgefield Community College
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Inspiring the Next Generation: NETPark Businesses Bring STEM Careers to Life
At the North East Technology Park (NETPark), innovation is driven by people, and that starts with inspiring the next generation.
Recently, students at Sedgefield Community College took part in an engaging STEM outreach day delivered in partnership with This Is Creative Enterprise (TICE) and NETPark. Designed to support students at a crucial stage in their education, the event connected classroom learning with real-world opportunity, helping young people see what their future could look like.
Turning Ambition into Opportunity
With exams approaching, many students are navigating a particularly challenging time. This event was created to provide more than information - it was about inspiration. By showcasing the breadth of careers available across science, technology, engineering and mathematics, students were able to understand how their current studies can open doors to exciting futures. Just as importantly, they saw that these opportunities exist locally, right here in County Durham.
Bringing NETPark into the Classroom
Whilst hosted at the college, the day was shaped by the expertise of NETPark’s business community. Following an introduction from TICE and an overview of NETPark, students heard directly from industry professionals during a lively panel discussion. This offered an early glimpse into the diverse roles, career journeys and opportunities within the region’s growing science and technology sectors.
That insight was then brought to life through a series of interactive workshops led by NETPark-based companies, including Kromek, Pragmatic, Graphene Composites, SEEDS, Coltraco, Magnitude Biosciences and Red Scientific.
Each business delivered hands-on sessions that reflected their work in areas such as advanced manufacturing, diagnostics, materials science and digital innovation. Students rotated through each activity, giving everyone the chance to engage directly, ask questions and explore different pathways.
Making the Link Between Education and Careers
One of the most powerful aspects of the day was helping students connect their current efforts with future possibilities. At a time when exams can feel like the sole focus, the event helped shift perspective - showing that these milestones are part of a much bigger journey. By meeting professionals and seeing real applications of STEM subjects, students were able to better understand the relevance of what they were learning.
A Shared Commitment to the Community
Outreach events like this are a key part of NETPark’s wider commitment to working with local communities. By connecting innovative businesses with young people early, NETPark helps to break down barriers and raise aspirations. It demonstrates that world-class careers in science and technology are not out of reach - they are happening here, within the region. For the companies involved, it is also an opportunity to inspire future talent, share their work and contribute to the long-term growth of the sector.
Looking Ahead
The day concluded with reflection sessions, giving students time to consider what they had learned and the opportunities now open to them. For many, it will have been a moment of clarity - an introduction to careers they may not have previously considered, and a reminder that their ambitions are achievable. As NETPark continues to grow, its role in supporting and inspiring the next generation remains central. Because alongside innovation and investment, it is people - and their potential - that will shape the future.
Watch the showreel below to see how NETPark businesses inspired students and brought STEM careers to life.
