Chemical Engineering (BEng), Newcastle University, graduated In July 2011.
I started working for LI in December 2011. I knew a bit about the Company due to a relative already working on one of their sites. It gave me an idea of what kind of company it is, how it is set up and the range of production and research sites. After looking more into LI I came across their Alpha technology and the new plant they had built in Singapore. I was impressed with their expansion out of the European market and their drive to move away from the longstanding process for producing methyl methacrylate. It was this strife for continuous improvement that led me to apply for a job.
I joined our research and strategic projects base at the Wilton Centre in Redcar. I was introduced to a project looking at an alternative engineering process for producing one of the chemicals required in our Alpha process. I worked with operators to troubleshoot problems that arose during the experimental trials to allow us to prove the technology. I am now working on another project looking at a different method of removing water from a process stream on Alpha; this project has huge potential as it could greatly reduce the energy requirement to run Alpha 1 and future Alpha plants.
As part of the Company’s Skills Development Programme, I’m on a management course provided by the Institute of Leadership Management. It runs over two years and consists mainly of interactive ‘classroom’ based sessions with a mix of internal and external tutors. The modules cover topics such as leadership, team working, planning and organising, and assertiveness. The course aims to provide the skills needed to become a manager in the future. LI has also given me the opportunity to attend IChemE events and courses on essential subjects such as hazard study and pressure relief.
The atmosphere working at LI is always friendly and relaxed. Our culture feels like that of a small, people centred firm but with a global business setting. Even throughout my assessment and interviews it was easy to see that LI is the kind of company I wanted to start and end my career with.
I live just outside Hartlepool so have around a 30-minute commute to work. I enjoy seeing live music and living here gives me a great chance to see load of bands at a number of different locations; the Metro Arena, City Hall and the Stadium of Light. There’s good access to the A19 and to motorways, which means I can travel to a number of cities – Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland – all quick and easy to get to by car or public transport. The North East’s great choice of restaurants and bars are great for meeting up with friends I made while at university.
I hope to eventually move to our Cassel Works site down the road on Teesside to gain valuable full-scale production experience, and hopefully get to work at one of our Alpha plants overseas. I also aim to become a chartered engineer with the help of the Company and the variety of experiences I can find here.
