Cogent Careers - Case studies

Featured Case studies

The Cogent industries employ over 850,000 people in 100s of different roles. There's a huge demand for skilled managers, engineers and technicians, scientists, process operatives and professionals.

Once working in this exciting sector there are many and varied opportunities to maximize your potential and develop your skills throughout your career.

“I chose to do an apprenticeship because I preferred to continue training whilst working full time. I knew I would gain valuable experience as well as good academic qualifications.”

David Docherty, Apprentice
Springfields Fuels, Nuclear

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Linda
Commercial Manager, BNFL, Sellafield, Nuclear
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Chris Kerridge
Recycling Department Manager, BPI group, Polymers - Plastics
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Krunal Acharya
Quality and Process Technologist, BPI group, Polymers - Plastics
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Robin Gilmour
Business Development Manager, BPI group, Polymers - Plastics
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Video case studies

The case study clips below are in Windows Media format so you will need the latest version of Windows Media player or equivalent for your system.

Summary:
CML group is a large manufacturer of critical components for the global Aerospace industry. Emma maintains and controls the solutions used to produce the protective anti-corrosion coatings for aircraft parts. She is responsible for waste disposal, ordering in and analysing of the chemicals used during the manufacturing process. Emma enjoyed chemistry at school. She studied Chemistry, Physics and Biology at A-level and Applied Chemistry at University.

Emma Whitehead,
Chemist,
CML Group

Launch video clip

Summary:
Peboc Division Of Eastman Co Ltd manufacture pharmaceutical ingredients like Vitamin E which is used to coat tablets. At University she studied for a Degree with Honours and then a Masters. Eastmans are a global company so there’s plenty of travelling in her role. One of her key responsibilities is to liaise with the environment agency to ensure they protect the local community and employees.

Jennifer Clark,
Health, Safety and Environmental Specialist,
Peboc Division Of Eastman Co Ltd

Launch video clip

Summary:
GlaxoSmithKline manufacture medicines used for illnesses like asthma and HIV. Paula looks at physical properties of the chemicals like particle sizes. A typical day is varied as it is split between the office and the lab. There’s a lot of training courses available within the company and scope for travel. Paula took Scottish Highers and then studied for a Masters and a PhD to make her a Doctor of Chemistry.

Paula,
Physical Properties Chemist,
GlaxoSmithKline

Launch video clip

Summary:
GlaxoSmithKline manufactures drugs and employs 100,000 people worldwide. Johns role is to put the drugs developed by research and development into larger scale production. It’s hands on work and he has to interact with large range of people like chemists, operators, site directors. Engineers are in demand all over the world. John studied Physics, Maths and Chemistry at school and a Batchelor of Engineering in Australia.

John,
Process Engineer,
GlaxoSmithKline

Launch video clip

Summary:
Rebecca‘s Chemistry teacher inspired her to start a career in the Chemial industry. Rebecca studied part-time for her Degree whilst working at Ciba from the age of 16. Ciba manufacture chemicals used in lots of everyday products including Ferrari and Coca Cola red!

Rebecca Farnell,
Senior Research Chemist,
Ciba

Launch video clip

Summary:
Andrew works at the Clyde Naval Base on their Graduate Programme. At school Physics was his favourite subject and he decided to study a Physics Hons Degree at Strathclyde College.

Andrew Fotheringham,
Assistant Health Physicist,
MOD

Launch video clip

Summary:
Gordon works for Babcock Navel Services in their Engineering Department. He is responsible for the planning and maintenance of nuclear submarines. After finishing school, Gordon completed an apprenticeship and his City and Guilds. He feels that on-the-job training he has received has been valuable.

Gordon McClae,
Nuclear Repair Manager,
MOD

Launch video clip

Summary:
Jenny tests cosmetic proteins, undertaking experiments and liaising with the plant to ensure everything is running smoothly. She did science-based A' levels and a Microbiology Degree, where she undertook a year out with a major chemical company.

Jenny Fitzpatrick,
Microbiology Supervisor,
Croda Chemicals

Launch video clip

Summary:
Mike specialises in microwave chemistry, using catalysts to speed up reactions, saving companies time and money. Mike did A' Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Physics and went on to do a Degree in Chemistry.

Mike Pitts,
Research and Development Project Leader,
Reaxa

Launch video clip

Summary:
Alan looks after the science station at the Daresbury Laboratory, liaising with users such as universities, undertaking experiments and helping with data analysis. He started at Daresbury as a contract cleaner, moved into security, then undertook a science degree before moving into his current role.

Transfer your skills

Featured Case studies

Video case studies

Emma Whitehead,
Chemist,
CML Group

Jennifer Clark,
HSE Specialist,
Peboc

Paula,
Physical Properties Chemist,
GSK

John,
Process Engineer,
GSK

Rebecca Farnell,
Senior Research Chemist,
Ciba

Andrew Fotheringham,
Assistant Health Physicist,
MOD

Gordon McClae,
Nuclear Repair Manager,
MOD

Jenny Fitzpatrick,
Microbiology Supervisor,
Croda

Mike Pitts,
Research and Development Project Leader,
Reaxa

Alan Brown,
Deputy Station Scientist,
Daresbury Laboratory

Transfer your skills

Featured Case studies

Video case studies

Emma Whitehead,Chemist,CML Group

Jennifer Clark,HSE Specialist,Peboc

Paula,Physical Properties Chemist,GSK

John,Process Engineer,GSK

Rebecca Farnell,Senior Research Chemist,Ciba

Andrew Fotheringham,Assistant Health Physicist,MOD

Gordon McClae,Nuclear Repair Manager,MOD

Jenny Fitzpatrick,Microbiology Supervisor,Croda

Mike Pitts,Research and Development Project Leader,Reaxa

Alan Brown,Deputy Station Scientist,Daresbury Laboratory

Emma Whitehead,
Chemist,
CML Group

Jennifer Clark,
HSE Specialist,
Peboc

Paula,
Physical Properties Chemist,
GSK

John,
Process Engineer,
GSK

Rebecca Farnell,
Senior Research Chemist,
Ciba

Andrew Fotheringham,
Assistant Health Physicist,
MOD

Gordon McClae,
Nuclear Repair Manager,
MOD

Jenny Fitzpatrick,
Microbiology Supervisor,
Croda

Mike Pitts,
Research and Development Project Leader,
Reaxa

Alan Brown,
Deputy Station Scientist,
Daresbury Laboratory