Engineering their way to success

It’s double celebrations for two BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering students from the University of Teesside, as both have clinched new jobs when they graduate this summer. Steve Taylor, 30, from Billingham, will start as a Chemical Engineer at Tioxide near Hartlepool, while Chris Wake, 21, originally from Hull, has gained a place on British Petroleum’s (BP) graduate scheme.

Steve will experience a sense of Déjà vu when he starts at Tioxide, as he originally joined the company aged 16 as an apprentice fitter, after leaving Sedgefield Community College with two ‘O’ levels in Woodwork and English. Steve said: “I’d had enough of school, even though I’d enjoyed Physics and Chemistry I didn’t turn up for the exams. I just wanted to start work.”

While working as a fitter Steve gained an ONC in Mechanical Engineering at Stockton-Billingham College, and after five years was promoted to a laboratory analyst. At the age of 27 he took voluntary redundancy from Tioxide and was ready to return to education. Steve said: “I wanted to move forward in my career and work in a job that was more of a challenge. I enrolled for the University’s six-week Summer College, which was a good way to be introduced to the place and learn study skills.

“I’ve really enjoyed the practical side of the degree in the laboratories, seeing something tangible. I’m also more confident in areas like report writing. My father Ron has a degree in Electrical Engineering, and has been trying to persuade me to study for 20 years so he’s very pleased. The support from my wife, Joanne has enabled me to manage a degree course. I feel that I owe a great deal to her.”

Chris came to the University after disappointing ‘A’ level grades. He has now graduated with a First Class degree. Chris said: “Sixth form college just didn’t work for me. I blame myself as I was spending more hours on part-time jobs to finance my car than my A-levels.”

Studying at Teesside has proved a more positive experience. Chris said: “After my ‘A’ level results I could have just left School and tried to get work, but Teesside were prepared to give me a chance. Like Steve, I’ve really enjoyed the practical research projects.

“I completed a summer placement with BP two years ago and really enjoyed working there. I never thought I would have a chance with the company, I was up against some very clever people.”

Dave Pritchard, BEng Course Tutor said: "Chris and Steve both have a maturity and determination that have brought a sense of satisfaction and even pleasure to their tutors. I have supervised their final year project and am almost envious of their future employers in having these talented young men working for their companies. Teesside's reputation is safe with them."

For more information on the University of Teesside’s engineering, science and technology courses at both HND and degree level call Sandra Joyce on 01642 342460, e-mail s.joyce@tees.ac.uk

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