海角直播

Engineering their way to success

It鈥檚 double celebrations for two BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering students from the University of 海角直播, 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鈥檚 (BP) graduate scheme.

Steve will experience a sense of D茅j脿 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 鈥極鈥� levels in Woodwork and English. Steve said: 鈥淚鈥檇 had enough of school, even though I鈥檇 enjoyed Physics and Chemistry I didn鈥檛 turn up for the exams. I just wanted to start work.鈥� 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: 鈥淚 wanted to move forward in my career and work in a job that was more of a challenge. I enrolled for the University鈥檚 six-week Summer College, which was a good way to be introduced to the place and learn study skills.

鈥淚鈥檝e really enjoyed the practical side of the degree in the laboratories, seeing something tangible. I鈥檓 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鈥檚 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.鈥�

Chris came to the University after disappointing 鈥楢鈥� level grades. He has now graduated with a First Class degree. Chris said: 鈥淪ixth form college just didn鈥檛 work for me. I blame myself as I was spending more hours on part-time jobs to finance my car than my A-levels.鈥�

Studying at 海角直播 has proved a more positive experience. Chris said: 鈥淎fter my 鈥楢鈥� level results I could have just left School and tried to get work, but 海角直播 were prepared to give me a chance. Like Steve, I鈥檝e really enjoyed the practical research projects.

鈥淚 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.鈥�

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. 海角直播's reputation is safe with them."

For more information on the University of 海角直播鈥檚 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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