Jennifer Finds the Right Chemistry
Jennifer Tweddle was a trainee on the Young Scientist programme and is now a manufacturing technologist with Johnson Matthey.
TTE Technical Training Group in the UK is a provider of vocational training and has a strong track record in promoting science careers among young people. Its training programmes offer a springboard from which trainees can join leading companies like Johnson Matthey. Our business in Billingham, UK has participated in TTE’s Young Scientist programme since it was first set up.
Jennifer Tweddle, aged 24, was a trainee on the Young Scientist programme. The programme allows trainees to earn while they learn, and provides students with excellent career prospects. Learners develop a wide range of laboratory and personal skills while studying one day a week at the University of Teesside.
After gaining A levels in chemistry, biology, maths and art, Jennifer studied at Newcastle University but found she was not suited to being a full time student and returned home to Hartlepool. She joined TTE’s Young Scientist programme and began the first of four placements with Johnson Matthey in Billingham. Now, five years later, she holds a Level 3 NVQ in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities and is working on her degree dissertation.
“The programme gives you a well rounded experience of industry and the confidence to deal with the workplace environment,” says Jennifer. “Your tuition fees are paid for by the sponsoring company. Those who take part do not end up with thousands of pounds of debt like a lot of full time students, and as a chemist, I believe practical experience in the real world is critical.”
Jennifer is now a manufacturing technologist with Johnson Matthey.
Johnson Matthey offers attractive career opportunities to young scientists on the programme and has four trainee scientists on placements at the moment. The TTE Young Scientists programme provides a pool of talent and helps Johnson Matthey to recruit good quality people into its R&D function – a win-win outcome for all.
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