Jade sets the standard after studying at Teesside

Spending her summers working with a county council set Jade Collins on the path to a career in trading standards.

Jade, 22, has now returned home to Lincolnshire after achieving a BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation and Consumer Law degree at Teesside.

Sponsored During her degree she was sponsored by Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards, spending each summer working for them. She has now taken up a post with the council’s Food and Agriculture Team.

Jade, of Marking Deeping, said: ‘I had never visited the North East before, but I had in mind that I wanted to study at a university which wasn't too close to home, so I could be independent for the first time. When I visited Teesside on an open day, I loved the campus and the friendliness of the people.

‘I originally came to look at the other forensic courses, especially Crime Scene Science and Applied Science and Forensic Investigation. But after looking at the University and chatting to the Forensic Investigation and Consumer Law lecturers and attending a lecture during the open day, I decided the Forensic Investigation and Consumer Law degree was for me.’ Guest lecturers She added: ‘My favourite part of the degree was doing the practical elements, such as the mock inspections, mock interviewing under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and the lectures given by guest lecturers on petrol, and weights and measures. ‘As I was sponsored through university by Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards as part of the agreement I had to work for them through the summer breaks.

‘This meant that during the three years that I was studying at Teesside I was also able to gain experience of all the departments within Lincolnshire trading standards, as well as meet and get to know colleagues and gain some real experience of doing the job. I also made some good contacts so if I needed any help or information on a subject I could always ask someone.’

Jade added: ‘At the moment I am working towards a professional qualification, a Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards (DCATS). ‘The degree has given me massive head start in gaining the DCATS, as I now have a background understanding in most trading standards areas. My advice is that studying for a degree is hard work, but you'll love it.’

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