Putting theory into practice

Two undergraduate students recently started their 'Year in Industry' placements at the Intertek Life Sciences analytical laboratory in Manchester, UK. The students will gain hands-on science experience and learn the importance of maintaining quality and safety within a commercial facility.

One of the students, Lewis Cowen, who is studying Chemistry at the University of Huddersfield, said: "I have already started to understand new analytical techniques and about working in industry while at Intertek. Hopefully this will carry on throughout the year and help with my course at university and any jobs afterwards. "

Intertek has been hosting students in industrial placements for over 10 years. They are given the opportunity to work alongside experienced Intertek scientists in innovative projects for a wide range of industries. From nanotechnology to personal care products, the students are able to utilise the most advanced lab kit during their research.

Sophie Rothwell, Senior Experimental Chemist, who has been with Intertek for five years, said: "The experience I gained from my industrial placement year was invaluable and provided me with a solid foundation on which to build my career as an analytical chemist. Due to the vast analytical techniques that Intertek has at the facility, I was able to expand my practical skills using a variety of instruments. I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Intertek and that's why I decided to join the company!"

Intertek understands the value of bringing students into the laboratory to let them experience a professional scientist's life at work. Doctor Neil Truslove, Intertek Technology Manager, said: "This is a great opportunity for our future generation of scientists to understand how their degree might be applied in the wider industry."

Michael Bell, undergraduate at University of Cardiff, who has just finished his placement during which he developed a series of tests for examining nanoparticles said: "Working at Intertek has taught me a lot about how to conduct researches, which has given me an advantage in professionally piecing together a scientific and thorough research project. It was also lots of fun!"

Intertek Life Sciences employs hundreds of scientists and regulatory experts across the world, helping companies in highly regulated industries to achieve global, regional and local compliance.

Learn more about Intertek's Analytical Laboratories.