Christian controls his career

Christian Darby has combined work with study and succeeded earning a First Class honours degree from the University of Teesside, winning an academic award and furthering his career. He will graduate today.

Christian, 27, from Guisborough, has worked for Cleveland potash for ten years and at present is based at their Teesdock operation. The company produces potash (a mined and processed mineral which is used in fertilizers) and exports it all over the world. Initially an Apprentice Technician, Christian is now a fully qualified Mechanical Engineer. His responsibilities include ensuring that the cranes, conveyer belts and other mechanical equipment used to collect, store and load the potash onto cargo ships remain in full working order.

He said: “My apprenticeship involved completing an HNC at Hartlepool College in Mechanical Engineering and once I finished it, I arranged with my employers to continue with a degree. The course at Teesside was great. It taught me a lot of new skills and quickly proved essential to my work. I don’t know how I would have managed without some of what I learned there. The equipment was excellent - in most cases it was significantly more advanced than what we have at work.

“Juggling full-time work and a part-time degree course was tough though. My employers were great and I had time off for classes but it was tiring to get home late and then have to do a couple of hours course work. But I wouldn’t let that put anyone off - it can be done and it’s also very rewarding.”

Christian’s dedication and hard work has also resulted in him receiving a special prize from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in recognition of being the best student on the course. He said: “I was ecstatic to find out about the award. It’s a great bonus and I’m very pleased to get it.”

Christian is the son of Peter and Marylyne and is the first in his immediate family to go to university.

---