A CHEMICAL engineering apprentice is looking forward to a career in the industry after receiving a prestigious award at Redcar & Cleveland College.
Michael Atkinson, 22, from Hartburn, received his Tees Valley Production Technician (TVPT) Studentship award after undertaking a four-year apprenticeship on the programme, and completing his National Certificate in Chemical Engineering at the college with a distinction award.
Now in its ninth year, the annual event organised by Graham Taylor of the Tees Valley Training Group, was developed in conjunction with TTE Technical Training and Redcar & Cleveland College to recognise the work of apprentices.
Michael, was sponsored by SABIC, a chemical manufacturing company on Teesside, and has secured full-time employment with the company as a result.
He said: “It’s a privilege to not only have been put forward for the award by my tutor but to be chosen from all other nominations. I’m so glad that all of my hard work has been recognised and is starting to pay off.
“My apprenticeship has given me the skills and transferable knowledge that I need to progress my future in the engineering field and I can’t wait to begin my work at SABIC.”
Adam Tinkler, sponsored by Lucite International, was also presented with the runner-up award.
Ravi S Ravindran, Chemical Engineering course tutor at Redcar & Cleveland College, who supported the students’ nominations, said: “Both Michael and Adam were hardworking, enterprising students and always put in the extra effort into their studies and it’s fantastic to see they have been recognised by industry standards. I’m confident they will both have very successful careers in the engineering sector.
“This year’s course has been one of the most successful to date and that is in no doubt down to the hardworking nature of the course members.”
For further information on studying chemical engineering or for information about Redcar & Cleveland College visit http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/ or please call 01642 473 132.
