New engineering career for Teesside mother

Being a single mother and a university student can be a tough challenge. However, this hasn’t stopped Jane Heatley, who has graduated from the University of Teesside with a BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering, 2.1 class. In addition, Jane gained a post as a graduate process engineer with an international chemical firm, straight after completing her studies.

Jane, 27, from Middlesbrough, studied part-time at the University from 1995. She combined her course work with caring for young son Nathan, now aged seven. After completing her degree this year Jane started a new career with Huntsman Petrochemicals, based at the former ICI North Tees site in Middlesbrough.

Jane said: “I’ve been interested in science since I was at school, mainly because I like definite answers to questions and with a subject like chemistry there are no ‘maybes’.

“It feels great to have begun the job I want after a long time studying and looking after Nathan. I find the work very rewarding and it pays enough for me to be able to give my son the life I want to provide. I’m a bit of a rarity as a woman in the industry, but Huntsman is a very forward thinking company and I have been made very welcome. I think my future is looking pretty good at the moment, it’s been well worth all the years of hard work.”

Jane is the first in her family to graduate from University.

She graduates on Wednesday 28 November

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