UK chemical research and development company, High Force Research, is investing in its future by appointing its first apprentice chemist.
Megan Jones, 18, from Chester-le-Street, has joined the company which specialises in new product development in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and fine chemicals industries.
As well as doing her five-year apprenticeship, which will enable her to learn key practical skills working alongside experienced chemists, Jones, who attended New College Durham, will also study part-time for a chemistry degree at Teesside University.
High Force Research has secured funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry to pay the first three years of Megan’s university fees and the company, based at Bowburn, County Durham, will fund the final two years of her five-year degree course.
Director Stuart Penny believes High Force Research will reap the rewards of investing in the education and training of future employees, as well as increase the company’s chances of being able to attract the best youngsters from the North East.
Penny said: 'We want to recruit bright people and develop their skills. After 12 months Megan will be contributing in a positive way as she will be taught by chemists four or five days a week.
'Usually we recruit graduates and, although we will continue to do so, appointing an apprentice is another way we can grow and develop our employees.
'We are teaching the practical skills needed in a working environment, while at university, Megan will learn all the theory behind the work.
'If we can develop our own staff and get them working to the required standard and develop the practical skills of chemistry, it benefits the company in the long term.'
Jones said: 'This is a great opportunity to progress my career in chemistry as I will be learning practical skills in a laboratory and working alongside experienced chemists. As well as gaining valuable hands-on experience, I will also achieve a degree at the end of five years.'
