The NPL Academy
Notable dates for NPL Academy 2012 applications are set out below |
What is the NPL Academy?
The NPL Academy gives GCSE students a real taster of work at the UK's leading measurement research laboratory.
The Academy was introduced in 2008 to give GCSE students and A Level students a structured opportunity to get the most out of a week's worth of work experience at one of the UK's leading scientific establishments.
What happens?
On Day One, students are given an induction to NPL and the type of work we are involved with, and they are given a tour of the lab. There are also a number of group exercises so individual students can get to know each other. The students are then 'passed over' to a host in the business who will allocate them to a specific project to work on during their week here.
One afternoon is spent on an Academy team exercise and, weather permitting, this will involve building and launching water rockets.
The morning of the final day is spent polishing reports on the week's work for presentation on the last afternoon to an audience comprising hosts, peers, teachers and parents. Prizes are given for the best presentations.
How many students attend?
Typically we welcome a cohort of 30-35 students, though competition is intense - there are usually about four applicants per place.
How does the selection process work?
The important dates are:
- 20 January 2012:
Deadline for applications - 30 January 2012:
Applicants are informed whether they have obtained a place, are on the waiting list, or have been unsuccessful - 2 - 6 July 2012:
NPL Academy 2012 held
Is the Academy any good?
Yes. Several parties have told us that the Academy is very worthwhile. The Academy is validated by Richmond Education Business Partnership (REBP) who have checked out the workplace and are involved in the scheme's promotion and candidate selection. The scheme has also won awards (Institute for Education Business Excellence, Business in the Community); participants have all given positive feedback; and some return to NPL as university summer vacation workers and GAP (General Activities Programme) placements.
Does NPL give work placements in addition to the Academy?
NPL concentrates its energies in providing a top experience work placement scheme, so does not offer additional placements.
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The NPL Academy is run conjunction with the Richmond Education Business Partnership (REBP), supported by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames |  |