Give us a short introduction to you and your degree
My name is Nick and since September 2022, I have been on a Year in Industry placement at Banner Chemicals, a 2M Group Company, in Liverpool.
I am studying Chemistry at the University of Liverpool and will return to my studies at the end of September 2023 to complete my final year.
During my first two years, I developed a particular interest in chemistry for sustainable technologies, which is why I have enjoyed working in the development team so much.
What you have been doing during your placement?
The start of my placement coincided with the opening of the 2M Innovations lab at the Liverpool site.
Working at the lab alongside Pat McDermott, Products Applications Manager at 2M Group of Companies, I have been developing, formulating, and testing new green products for the Group’s portfolio.
Most of the work we do is proactive; if we hear about a new green additive or surfactant for example, we will do our best to incorporate these into pre-existing 2M products. This makes them more environmentally friendly and gives them a better hazard profile.
I have also had lots of experience helping our export team. I dedicate time each day to complete the quality control checks on Banner Chemicals’ inbound and outbound batches. These checks include appearance, water content and density, working to very strict specifications.
What has been your proudest achievement during your placement?
I am proud of how I helped to set up the new lab in terms of writing procedures, carrying out safety assessments/risk assessments and setting up/learning all the new equipment.
Along the way, I have picked up lots of new skills that generally aren’t taught at university, including working regulations and dealing with outside clients.
On top of this, when potential customers see the results of my work and are impressed by product performance, it is incredibly satisfying!
How has this placement influenced your awareness of the chemical industry?
Over the past months working at 2M I have become a lot more aware of the chemical industry and what a career in STEM has to offer.
Through spending time working with different departments, I’ve seen just how varied this industry is and that there are a huge range of pathways on offer to young people like me.
The opportunities I have had this year have helped me to understand that a career in the chemical industry/STEM is definitely the way I want to go.
What are you most looking forward to once you complete your studies?
Once my placement has concluded, I am looking forward to going back to university and putting all my new lab experience to the test in my practical modules next year. I plan to return to 2M next year on a part-time basis (during university holidays) to continue working on our green and sustainable projects.
After graduation, I feel that the skills I have picked up this year will set me up well for a career in this exciting industry, hopefully at 2M!
I want to give a special thank you to everyone at 2M who has taken time to help and support me this year, especially Pat and the rest of the development team who I have worked with closely along the way.
