I've just begun the second of my three years on JM's graduate programme. My first year was spent in a refining and chemicals environment based at Brimsdown, UK. I come from a chemical engineering background, so spending a year at one of Johnson Matthey's oldest and most established production sites gave me the perfect opportunity to see the theory in practice.

JM sets high expectations for graduates and it’s been an incredibly rewarding year. My role involves managing several engineering plant improvement projects to reduce the lead time of material flowing through the department. I expected the role to be challenging and it certainly has been, but already I can look back at this short time and see how much I've developed as a leader. The best thing about my day is being on the shop floor. This is where the real problem solving occurs: tapping into the vast knowledge of operators to address the questions: 'How can we make this safer or faster or more efficient?’.

JM's commitment to sustainability was a key driver for me to apply for the scheme - from the products it makes to the practices it encourages. I wanted to be confident that the company I worked for was genuinely making the world a better place for the future. The opportunity for international travel at this early stage was also incredibly attractive. There have been significant company changes recently and an influx of young talent, which is contributing to a forward-thinking way of working.

Above all, the people are the best thing about JM. It's difficult to describe but the atmosphere just feels right. I've made friends and have a large support network, so you never feel alone. It was clear from the day I submitted my application that graduates are valued.