Supporting local education

In addition to monetary donations, we also support the educational development of the communities of which we are a part. Our primary purpose is to encourage interest in, and enthusiasm for, the study of materials science and its application in engineering, manufacturing and technology-based industries.

In the Netherlands, we have established an Adopt a School project. Schools are invited to visit our IJmuiden plant, where they receive materials, overalls and toolboxes. We have also joined JetNet (Jongeren en Techniek – Young People and Technology), a government initiative aimed at encouraging young people to choose a career in technology.

In France, local school children have been given the opportunity to form a Cadette Industrie (Junior Company) for a year. Pupils visit our plant at Corus Colors, Myriad, to find out about our Company and the roles of our employees.

In November 2007, Corus Construction & Industrial kick-started the Royal Society of Chemistry’s National Chemistry Week when 100 chemistry A-level students from John Leggott College in Scunthorpe visited Scunthorpe steelworks. The biannual event aims to promote a positive image of chemistry and to enthuse the next generation of chemists.

We develop learning materials, provide sponsorship and scholarships, award prizes and grants, and utilise the imagery and usage of steel to explain key concepts and learning points. In 2007, Corus Distribution & Building Systems launched the very first European Kalzip Student Award, inviting architecture and engineering students to develop concepts for the building envelope of the future using metal materials. Of the 166 entries, the distinguished panel of judges awarded first prise to Mergen Annick and Johannes Mitterdorfer from the University of Innsbruck. With such success, the 2009 award scheme will be open to entries from across the world.

In the UK, we sponsor teachers as well as student prizes in material science subject areas in association with various institutes and universities.

Many of our sites have educational liaison programmes. Corus employees and Multiserv contractors at Teesside Cast Products lent their support to Banksfield School, Middlesbrough, to provide education on good environmental practices. The visit included a nature field trip to Coatham Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest, which neighbours our steelworks.

Corus Distribution & Building Systems UK and Ireland, based in the West Midlands, supports the Young Enterprise Awards, by taking part in the judging, hosting the awards dinner and through the creation of the Corus Award for the Most Innovative Product.

Through a unique partnership between the University of Wales, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Corus, a successful Engineering Doctorate Scheme gives leading graduates the opportunity to gain experience in technical and engineering disciplines at Corus while pursuing doctorate research studies.
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