102 | Tees Business
Hallam presents on STEM and plastics to pupils
at Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School.
CHEMICAL
CHAMPION
Teesside chemist crowned national Young Ambassador
E
Plastic is the topic at the European Youth
Debating Competition in London.
ach year an
industry employee
in the early
stages of their career
is crowned national
Young Ambassador
by the Chemical
Industries Association
(CIA), the trade body
that represents and
advises UK chemical
and pharmaceutical
companies.
The award recognises
an outstanding
young individual
who demonstrates communication and
leadership skills associated with the
chemical and pharmaceutical industry and
helps to contribute to its success.
This year, the prestigious accolade was
given to Hallam Wheatley, 26, a research
chemist at Teesside-based SABIC.
Hallam, originally from Saltburn, started
his career as an apprentice at Lotte
Chemical UK before moving to SABIC five
years ago. His varied role within SABIC’s
Technology and Innovation team includes
working on the firm’s Mixed Plastic Waste
project in the Netherlands as well as looking
to develop the hydrogen economy for
SABIC in the UK.
Father to four-year-old Lily, Hallam is being
sponsored by SABIC to study part-time for a
BSc in Chemistry at Teesside University and
also volunteers as a governor at Huntcliff
School in Saltburn.
Nomination
Hallam was nominated by SABIC’s senior
communications business partner Claire
Wordsworth, who said: “Hallam is chair
of SABIC’s Education Liaison Team. His
enthusiasm and passion to inspire others
has led to a remarkable increase in the
number of STEM volunteers within the
company.
“He is passionate about promoting
careers in the chemical industry and has
enabled SABIC to engage with more than
5,000 students of all ages over the last two
years alone.
“Hallam’s commitment to the industry is
unquestionable. He is the first to volunteer
for any type of educational activity, from
debating about plastic at the Festival of
Thrift to talking to primary school children
about chemistry. His commitment to the
education and skills of young people in this
region is truly outstanding.”