College News

Aspiring Engineers Visit SABIC

A group of first and second year A Level students on QE’s Future Engineers’ Scheme enjoyed a visit to SABIC on Teesside, one of the world’s top six petrochemical companies and the major producer of plastics and chemicals in Europe.

The students were given an insight into the company both in the UK and abroad, the entry routes as a graduate or as an apprentice and what the company looks for in a prospective employee. They also found out more about the varied engineering disciplines offered by SABIC whilst touring the 2,000 acre site which hosts other chemical companies. The students were impressed by the sheer scale of the operation, including how chemicals are transported safely, how engineers are involved in health and safety aspects of the plant’s operation and the huge costs involved to meet environmental standards.

Student, Matthew Brown, commented:

“The trip was very insightful – it gave me a good idea of what actually happens on such a large scale and the excellent prospects that are available to engineers.”

Rachel Harrington added:

“It was useful to hear about how SABIC recruits their workers and the different entry routes into engineering and how they support their employees once in the role.”

Liz Bryan, QE’s Future Engineers’ Co-ordinator, concluded:

“This was an excellent visit. It highlighted to the students what is happening regarding engineering in the North East, and gave first-hand knowledge of how an international chemical company operates as well as the employment opportunities both as a graduate or as a higher apprentice.  As a result of the visit, we have been offered a summer placement for one of our prospective engineers.”