Top success for Teesside trio

A trio of Teesside graduates has already landed permanent jobs thanks to an innovative new internship scheme launched by the University.

The three graduates have gained permanent employment even before the internships programme has finished.

The three month initiative, to help those who finished studying in 2011 to gain vital work experience while being paid, started in January.

Ross Edmond, Steven Ross and Sam Elliott have all landed permanent positions in companies before the completion of the 12 week programme.

Ross, 32, of Eaglescliffe, graduated in 2011 with a First Class BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering, began his internship with Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI), based in Redcar, hoping to obtain vital experience in the chemical process industry.

He said: 'I applied for the three-month internship after graduating, which gave me my first experience of practical chemical engineering. Then during the first few weeks of my internship, SSI was recruiting graduate engineers.

'The internship has been immensely invaluable, it has provided me with an opportunity to make an impression and show what I could do. I feel it has helped me to secure a full-time role.

'It’s been brilliant to have the opportunity to play a part in the re-commissioning of the plant. It’s the heart and soul of the community, with 150 years of steelmaking history on Teesside.'

His new role will be as a blast furnace technologist, joining a team working with the blast furnace.

Ross added: 'My degree was invaluable and the lecturing staff were great, with continued support through my transition to becoming a professional engineer.

'I’m hoping to work towards Chartership recognised by the Institution of Chemical Engineers. SSI provides a lot of support and the right practical experience to follow this ambition.'

Sports therapy student Steven Ross has just finished his internship at Tees Valley Sport early after landing a job at national governing body England Squash and Racketball.

Steven, 22, said: 'After my experience of seeing the recreational side of sports on my course, it was really valuable to gain insight into how a professional sports organisation runs day-to-day.'

He added: 'The internship has given me the skills, experience and confidence to kick start my career.'

Previously, Steven had been applying for various jobs with little success; however he found the weekly professional development sessions held at Teesside University as part of the scheme boosted his confidence in writing applications: 'The next two jobs I applied for, I got an interview for, which shows the difference,' said Steven.

One of these interviews was for England Squash and Racketball, based in Manchester, where his newly-learned presentation skills gave him the upper hand on other candidates. He has landed the role of Coaching and Performance Administrator, and hopes to play some part in this year’s Olympics.

He concluded: 'Without the help and support of Teesside University, I know I wouldn’t be where I am. To think I may have the chance to work at the Olympics this year is amazing, something I couldn’t have imagined being a part of last year.' Sam Elliott has been offered a permanent role within the University’s School of Health & Social Care.

The Teesside University graduate internship programme is helping some 50 graduates who finished studying in 2011 gain vital work experience while being paid. Three month internships were created for graduates, either working in the University or with a partner organisation.

Professor Eileen Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Student Experience), said: 'Here at Teesside we want to equip our graduates with all the skills they need to find employment or start their own businesses. We understand that employers are often looking for experience and entrepreneurship alongside qualifications and these schemes will provide an ideal opportunity for graduates to gain vital experience and enhance their CVs.'

She added: 'I am delighted that Steven, Ross and Sam have so quickly secured permanent positions following their participation in the intern scheme. It highlights how the graduate internship is offering vital skills and experience in the workplace and gives graduates a head start in getting onto the career ladder.'

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