The CIA gathers industry insights through a quarterly business survey to advocate for our members’ interests with policy makers, regulators and other stakeholders.
Read more
The CIA is proud to announce the launch of the new Sustainable Health Metrics Tool.
Read more
The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is fundamental to modern society. With an immense variety of products, from vital medicines and foods, the construction of buildings, to transport and leisure, the industry truly does have an impact on virtually every aspect of our daily lives.
Read moreAmy started her career at SABIC as an Apprentice Laboratory Technician aged just 16 back in 2015. Now 25, Amy is a Research Chemist within SABIC’s Technology and Innovation Feedstock and Cracker team based in Teesside, a role that supports the company’s local and global assets.
As a research chemist, Amy’s role involves assisting SABIC’s Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality ambitions and supporting the Teesside Improvement Project on the Olefins 6 Cracker, which aims to utilize hydrogen as a fuel source and become the world’s first carbon-neutral cracker. She is also working on SABIC’s global chemical recycling initiative TRUCIRCLE and studying BEng Chemical Engineering at Teesside University
Back in 2015 I left secondary school unsure what I wanted to do but also with only one path in front of me; a levels & university. Fast forward to today I am a Research Chemist for SABIC Technology & Innovation, Europe.
Reflecting over the past 9 years I have a lot to be thankful for the opportunity of my Apprenticeship. It seemed perfect to choose to study whilst gaining experience. Whilst I undertook the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship, I worked 4 days a week and attended a local college to complete a Level 3 Applied Science diploma. After the 2 year programme i gained extensive technical knowledge but also what I would call ‘real life skills’.
It’s a huge jump to enter the workplace straight from secondary education but it taught me independence, time management & professional skills. In the chemical industry Health & Safety is at the forefront of what we do and to appreciate that instantly in my career has definitely helped with my development.
I am very grateful for the support from SABIC as upon completing my Apprenticeship I have been allowed to continue to grow. When I finished my apprenticeship in 2017 I was successful in attaining a full time role on SABIC’s Olefins 6 Ethylene plant as a on shift Lab Technician responsible for the lab on a 24 hr shift rotation. As I progressed I was further interested in the plant and its process as I was working in the heart of it so I asked for support to study again. From 2017-2019 I completed a HNC in Chemical Engineering part time, this was funded by SABIC with time given to attend the course.
Now in 2024 I am a Research Chemist in the final year of my BEng Chemical Engineering supporting various projects; one of which is the Olefins 6 reconfiguration to a Ethane only cracker. I have had the chance to travel to various countries and places with my role to support the projects I am part of. In 2023 I was announced as NEPIC’s Young Achiever & also won CIA’s Young Ambassador.
Overall I feel that the Apprenticeship route for myself has no negatives- I am now 25 with 9 years experience which I am extremely grateful for. I have most likely gained skills I am not even aware of through entering the workplace since day 1 but also I think it has allowed me to create my own career. If I could advise the next generation of school leavers one thing it would be too see what other opportunities are available to you…and to take them!
Why an apprenticeship? Read Izzy’s fascinating story Izzy Sloan, winner of the Young Ambassador Award at the national CIA Chemical Industry Awards in 2022. A Chemical Engineering Degree Apprentice at GSK in Ulverston and Barnard Castle, Izzy facilitates the manufacturing of antibiotics that help patients worldwide. Izzy’s ...
