Joseph joined MCG’s apprenticeship programme in 2022, choosing hands-on experience and a funded chemistry degree over the traditional university route. Four years later, his dedication and growth have been recognised with the NEPIC Apprentice of the Year Award 2026. Here he shares what the journey has looked like — and where it’s heading next.
“In 2022, the path after school felt uncertain. The prospect of university brought concerns about student debt, financial instability, and the possibility of graduating without clear job prospects. That’s when the apprenticeship opportunity with Mitsubishi Chemical Group stood out as the perfect solution. It offered something unique: four years of hands-on experience at a respected company, a salary from day one, and a fully funded chemistry degree. It wasn’t just an alternative to university — it was a smarter, more secure way to start a career.
Today, the apprenticeship provides a dynamic balance of learning and real-world application. Four days a week are spent in the laboratory at Wilton, conducting experiments and contributing to a range of research projects. The fifth day is dedicated to academic study, attending online lectures through the University of Bradford. This blend of theory and practice has been key in building both knowledge and practical expertise.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but it has been deeply rewarding. Starting with smaller tasks helped build a strong foundation, and over time, increasing responsibility brought both skill and confidence. Each completed project marked a step forward, reinforcing a growing sense of capability.
A particularly proud moment came when Joseph was named NEPIC Apprentice of the Year 2026. Seeing years of development and contribution mapped out highlighted just how far the journey had come.
If I were to describe my apprenticeship journey in three words, they would be Challenging, Rewarding, and Transformative — and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
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