Sixth Form Student Gains Experience on a Prestigious 4-Week Research Placement

Sixth Form College student, Aklack Hussain, successfully gained a place through the Nuffield Foundation to take part in a 4-week long Research Placement at Unilever’s Research and Development Laboratories in Port Sunlight.

Aklack, a former Bebington High Sports College student, is currently 3 weeks into his work experience placement where he is carrying out his own research projects and gaining valuable hands-on experience within a chemistry laboratory.

The Nuffield Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to improve social well-being through education, research and innovation. They arrange work experience opportunities within Universities, Research Institutes and Companies centred around Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. The Nuffield Foundation claims, “There is a huge demand for skilled workers with STEM qualifications. Some of the most exciting industries in the world are recruiting women and men from all backgrounds into world-changing careers that pay well. With a STEM qualification and the right experience under your belt, you could be in demand.”*

Aklack applied for the scheme after being made aware of the opportunity by John Doherty, Head of Learner Services at The Sixth Form College. The 17 year old currently studies Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and ICT at the College and has ambitions of pursuing a career in Chemistry in the future.

Aklack commented, “I am really enjoying my time at the Unilever Laboratories. It is a great experience to work on my own research project in a professional laboratory. I am learning lots of valuable skills, observing laboratory work and getting the opportunity to work with technical equipment such as the Tergotometer!”

Aklack also commented on how his time on his first work experience placement has helped to confirm his career plans for the future, “I’m really enjoying the work that I’ve been doing at the laboratories. I think it has been excellent preparation for University as I have to write a professional report on my activities and take responsibility for my research. It will also look great on my UCAS statement and I know it will make a big difference to helping me to secure a place at my chosen University.”

The College is continually building links with companies such as Unilever as Aklack’s placement at the laboratories follows eight students from The Sixth Form College completing Unilever’s prestigious work experience programme in week-long placements throughout the summer – places that are notoriously difficult to obtain due to only 32 places being offered across the entire North West region.

Some of the College's alumini have recently graduated from Unilever's much sought after sciences apprenticeship programme, Three Port Sunlight apprentices make Unilever history and the College will be supporting many more students in applying to this scheme this year.

*Reference from The Nuffield Foundation’s Nuffield Research Placements: Experience research in action Leaflet