CPI Apprentice Wins Science Apprentice of the Year Award

The event, which was held at Middlesbrough Theatre, saw Finley presented with the prestigious award, beating several others from the North East region.

Guest of Honour at the event was Benjamin Mee, who is the owner of Dartmoor Zoological Park and had his story turned into a Hollywood movie in 2011 called ​‘We bought a Zoo’ staring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Benjamin gave an inspiring motivational speech about his career to the guests in attendance which included students and their families, representatives from colleges, sponsoring employers, local and international industry and members of the North East business community.

18-year-old Finley, from Ingleby Barwick, Stockton, is currently undertaking a three-year Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship in Process Operations. After spending one-year training at TTE’s specialist South Bank facility he joined his sponsor CPI at its Wilton facility and is a process operating apprentice, aiming to achieve a level 3 in Process Operations.

Finley’s role consists of good microbial practice, fermentations to downstream processing, and working with different bacteria on a daily basis. It is Finley’s job to learn how to manage and maintain the services required for running the fermentations in each area. Finley has to be safety conscious in all tasks being completed in the plant areas.

TTE provides school leavers with practical training, technical skills, the ability to learn and earn and the opportunity to enjoy a career in industry through its employer-sponsored Apprenticeships and Study Programmes.

Dan Wallis, Finley’s manager on plant said,​“He has become a very valued member of the Biotechnology team in such a short time. Finley has taken on all work-related challenges being very safety conscious in any tasks he carries out. Finley has built a great rapport with all the team on plant, he is an important part of our business and has an exciting career ahead of him’’.

Jodie Coe, Director of Organisation Development at CPI said ‘’Finley’s enthusiasm and determination has made him a positive asset to the Process Operations team at CPI and has made him a popular colleague, earning the respect of more experienced technicians in our workforce. CPI is very proud of Finley and his achievements as well as the wider Biotechnology team who have always been huge supporters of our Apprenticeship Programmes”

Finley said ​“I am very proud to win this award representing CPI. I feel privileged to have this platform to develop my skills and experience in the workplace. I look forward to furthering my career at CPI’’