Young scientists achieve industry accreditation at Teesside University event

The achievements of a group of former TTE science students were celebrated at a special event held at Teesside University.

Eight students who have completed TTE’s Young Scientist Undergraduate Programme have all received the prestigious title of Registered Scientist from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

In addition, one student, Lyndsey Coleman, who recently completed a Lab Technician Apprenticeship and has gained employment with SembCorp, achieved professional registration from the Royal Society of Chemistry becoming a Registered Science Technician.

Their registrations were presented by the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Technical Registration Specialist Dr Jonelle Harvey MSci MRSC at a ceremony held in the Stephenson Building at Teesside University as part of an event to highlight the career opportunities open to students who follow a vocational training-based route.

The event was also attended by students from Hillsview Academy and Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough who took part in a two-hour workshop at the university and had the chance to speak to employers, TTE staff, Young Scientist students and representatives from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The Young Scientist Undergraduate Programme prepares students to undertake most jobs within a scientific environment. Designed to run over two years, it aims to give candidates an advanced grounding in research and analytical science.

Students are sponsored by employers including Lucite International, DuPont, Sembcorp and GlaxoSmithKline and spend two years working as part of their sponsoring company’s workforce while having their competency regularly assessed by TTE’s experienced team.

Whilst on the programme, students also study towards a part-time BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at Teesside University and a NVQ Diploma Level 2 and 3 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities.

Applications are currently being taken for next year’s Young Scientist Undergraduate Programme, which begins in September 2016. Applicants can contact 01642 770337 or email recruitment@tte.co.uk.

Steve Grant, Managing Director of TTE, said: 'Congratulations to our graduates who should be very proud to receive the professional accreditation. It demonstrates the credibility of the Young Scientist Undergraduate programme as an effective education option that can lead to employment.

'By blending higher and vocational education with the support of employers and the university the programme meets the requirements of industry and the career aspirations of those entering the science field.'

Dr Joe McGinnis, Senior Lecturer in the University’s School of Science & Engineering, said: 'It is important to give young people an idea of what studying chemistry at university can offer and to provide alternative routes into higher education.

'Our partnership with TTE has been an extremely successful one and we were delighted to see so many enthusiastic students today, both at the workshop and presentation evening.'

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