A small biological materials supplier is preparing its next wave of employees by launching a work experience programme.

AbBaltis employs less than 10 people but has hosted school pupils through to graduates at its labs in Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, in a bid to train the scientists of the future.

The scheme has been launched to combat the gap in teaching in the educational environment, compared to what is needed in the workplace.

Work experience at AbBaltis teaches students the basic skills needed in a laboratory, alongside communication skills and how to behave in a professional environment.

AbBaltis managing director Giedre Brandao said: “We are giving something back to the local community by providing young people with an opportunity to see what a job in the science industries is really like.

“It is much more difficult to get scientific work experience than anything else, which is a shame because it is invaluable in giving students a well-rounded perspective of the industry.

“It teaches skills that you don’t learn in schools or University and shows that there is an element of manual labour to the job as well.

“Providing the tasks are 100% safe, I give my work experience students real things to do, and the feedback has been so positive that they want to return to AbBaltis in the future.”

One work experience student has been Natasha Shersby. She said: “My time at AbBaltis was very rewarding and immensely helpful.

“I accumulated a variety of skills, which will benefit me in the future, and have explored a number of different options available in the world of diagnostics.

“I was given the opportunity to observe the work conducted in the laboratories and this provided me with the knowledge of practical skills I need to develop further in order to be successful in this profession.”