SCHOOL pupils became bio-scientists for a day ahead of the opening of a major new facility for companies in the sector.

The 100 students made plastic from potatoes and biofuels as part of their involvement in Foundation for Jobs first annual bio-science day.

The event aimed to inspire the young people’s interest in scientific careers ahead of the opening of the new £38m National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC), in Darlington.

The centre, due to open in the autumn, will provide firms with technical support to research and develop potentially life-saving cures and vaccines, including cancer remedies.

The bioscience day involved pupils from secondary schools across Darlington and was organised in partnership with Carmel Academy, which hosted the event, and a specialist team from Bradford University, which delivered the activities.

The pupils were also assisted by specialist staff from The Centre for Process Innovation, the organisation behind the NBMC.

A Foundation for Jobs spokesman said: “We aim to ensure our young people are inspired by and aware of the industry sectors that will be creating a large number of jobs locally by the time they leave education, and these are expected to include science, engineering, digital sectors, construction and hospitality, along with many others.

“The new centre is expected to help drive an influx of bio-science companies either setting up in or moving to Darlington and surrounding area in the coming years.

“These firms will require a wide range of skills and recruit from apprentice through to graduate level so the aim of the event was to inspire our young people to consider sciences and bio-sciences as a career.

“We believe inspiration can come from taking part in hands-on activities which bring the subject to life, rather than them simply being told about it.”

The national award-winning Foundation for Jobs is a joint initiative to tackle youth unemployment involving The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council and the Darlington Partnership of private firms and public sector organisations.

It has worked with around 5,000 young people since it was launched in January 2012.

Earlier this year, Foundation for Jobs was awarded significant funding of £25,000 each from both the County Durham Community Foundation and the 11-19 Partnership of schools in Darlington to continue its work.

For further details contact email owen.mcateer@darlington.gov.uk or go to foundationforjobs.co.uk