Kate Hickingbottom always knew she wanted to pursue a career in science, but just learning in a lecture room wasn’t right for her. As a very ‘hands-on’ and practical person Kate wanted to be able to apply science in the real world. Three years on from securing a place through Reckitt’s research and development (R&D) apprenticeship scheme at our Science and Innovation Centre in Hull, Kate is applying what she has learned every day.
After being introduced to Reckitt through a career day at her college, Kate met with Reckitt apprentices to learn about their experience of getting to work in the ‘real world’ and with products that we use every day in our lives – iconic brands like Dettol and Finish.
“I couldn't see myself in full-time education. I was frustrated taking all of the information in and not being able to apply any of it.” Reckitt provided Kate with the opportunity to take what she was learning and apply it. “I'm in the real world, working on well-known brands like Gaviscon and Mucinex and have been able to apply the things that I’ve learned in the classroom in a way that is really meaningful.”
Our apprentices get the chance to work with some of the world’s most famous brands and collaborate with a wide range of people from lots of different departments and areas of the global business. “I was expecting to be put in a little corner and set tasks – this couldn’t have been further from the truth! From the get-go, I was given projects to work on, given a mentor and teams to work with on real-life innovations."
We challenge our apprentices by giving them control of their future to create their own opportunities to pursue their interests. “I was expected to be given instructions, but the conversations I have had are much more about ‘Where do you see an opportunity?’ If I see an opportunity and I think we could develop something new, we will pitch it to my manager – and it’s become second nature.”
WORKING AT RECKITT HAS BEEN AN EYE-OPENING AND AMAZING EXPERIENCE FOR ME … THERE'S A SCIENCE COMMUNITY EVERYWHERE AND I WAS INSTANTLY ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THAT.”
Kate’s apprenticeship has allowed her to collaborate with people her own age. “One of the best experiences so far as an apprentice is being able to connect with other people my age and be able to bond over our passion for science.”
But it’s Reckitt’s commitment to empowering women in science that has made a real impact on Kate. “I could see Reckitt were passionate about getting that 50/50 gender balance. I was able to join the Women at Reckitt employee resource group (ERG) and work with women who encouraged me – surrounded by like-minded people.”
What has Kate loved most about working at Reckitt? "It’s so rewarding to be able to live and breathe science and talk about our passions, inspiring young people to pursue it as a career.”
Meet more of our people and why they chose to pursue a career at Reckitt.
