A YOUNG scientist who wants to inspire young people in the North-East to consider a career in process industries, is to plug the impending skills gap in the sector by becoming an ambassador for the cause.

Pharmacology graduate Mhairi Anderson, 27, has joined the board of the National Skills Academy Process Industries and has been named a young ambassador for the cause, and aims to encourage more young people to take up careers in the sector.

The employer-led Skills Academy, which has its UK headquarters in Darlington and is supported by a series of regional offices, works as a bridge between business and training specialists, to upskill the current workforce and promote careers in the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and polymer industries.

The sector is predicted to need 30,000 new employees and 10,000 new graduates in the next decade, to offset the loss of older workers set for retirement.

The North-East process industries are a key part of the regional economy, turning over £6.4bn a year and employing 22,000 people.

Ms Anderson hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the academy’s activities in the North-East and is looking forward to the challenge.

“Role models have a big part to play in showing that careers in science or maths aren’t outdated and old fashioned, and that lots of young people work in the industry and have a great time,” she said.