Apprentice shines in chemical industry

A history-making apprentice has been described as a ‘future leader’ after shining brightly at chemical manufacturer Lianhetech Seal Sands. Charlotte King, from Clavering in Hartlepool, has become the first person to pass a new apprenticeship standard delivered as a Supply Chain practitioner with distinction with us here at Hartlepool College.

It caps a fantastic few years since the 23-year-old turned away from university to head in a different direction in 2019 when she passed initial standards as a logistics apprentice with ease. Last year she was the first ever apprentice to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Chemical Industry Awards after being nominated for the Young Ambassador Award. Now she has become a fully qualified supply chain coordinator as she drives for greater responsibility in the areas such as imports/exports, procurement, logistics, sales, and customer service.

Lianhetech’s general manager Lee Kingsbury said: “The way Charlotte has taken to an incredibly complicated operation here is fantastic. She is bright, intelligent and, most importantly, has a great attitude. “She is 100 per cent ‘can do’. Nothing the supply chain team has asked her to do has fazed her. She has got that spark where she wants to get things done and that is priceless. Charlotte’s capacity to learn new things is boundless and she is well on the right path to becoming a fantastic manager of the organisation.”

Charlotte has built an inward processing relief system for Lianhetech that provides flexibility on cash flow by determining when and how it pays or claims VAT/Duty on the goods it imports and exports overseas. And, alongside her day-to-day work, Hartlepool College has helped Charlotte achieve high standards in her studies despite having to do most of her classes on video calls because of Covid restrictions.

Charlotte said: “I did go to university but I didn’t enjoy it, I wanted to be at work every day. I liked the idea and the structure of the industry so I applied for industry-based apprenticeships. This was the one I thought would suit me the most and provide the best opportunities. It was quite an independent qualification, guided by my tutor Charlie Thompson. It’s been good for Charlie and my supply chain team supervisor Lyn Lee and training officer Lynsey Hook, to see my progress on the calls. They have supported every step. It was hard at first to come out of my shell but I have found it really enjoyable and I’m so pleased I took this step, every day is different. Having help from the College has helped me so much.”

Charlotte, who went to Hartlepool’s St Hild’s and Clavering schools, is focused on continuing her personal development with further studies to boost her career chances.

Lyn Lee, the supply chain supervisor, said: “Charlotte is very driven, eager to learn, and a real-valued member of the team. She is a shining example of how dedication, self-motivation, a positive mindset and a good working relationship with mentors, both internal and external, lead to progression and great results. Her qualification is desirable in the field and to get a distinction is fantastic. We’re very proud of her achievements and look forward to what comes next.  A rising star in the making!”

Hartlepool College’s assistant principal Gary Riches said: “I can’t express how delighted I am for Charlotte with what she has achieved.  It has been testing times for everyone during the pandemic and to complete pretty much all of her apprenticeship via virtual lessons and submitting work electronically shows the determination Charlotte possesses. Not only has she earned a distinction grade in her end point assessment, but married to her exceptional attitude and desire to learn she will go far within Lianhetech.  To be the first-ever supply chain practitioner apprentice to go through the apprenticeship standard at Hartlepool College of Further Education and do it with the highest grade possible is incredible. The College is immensely proud to be working with Lianhetech for its apprenticeship training and delivery and the relationship has been going on for a good number of years. I personally know the mentoring levels are extremely high within the organisation and that the other 12 apprentices, who are training towards becoming maintenance and process technicians, are in safe hands and will have a very good future ahead of them."