Baxters Food Group-KTP

The KTP role provided an opportunity to bridge the gap between the academic and business organisation. As an associate, this provided with the opportunity for developing and implementing both scientifically and economically proven innovation.

Fully

No, I found out about the role on job site

The most positive aspect of the role is troubleshooting problems, developing and implementing a solution.  This is all about all about using logic, as well as imagination, to make sense of a situation and come up with an intelligent solution. However, an effective technical problem resolution requires the ability to communicate effectively and this has helped in getting the support of both the Top management and employees.

The biggest challenges to the project was the minor delay created by the pandemic due to travel restrictions but this time was recovered and the project was completed.

A typical day as a KTP associate depends on which stage of the project I was at. However, despite the changes in daily activities there are some daily key routines. A daily routine will be to check on the wastewater treatment plant and evaluate the chemistry data after which I spend some time on literature review and optimising the wastewater model. Other activities like meetings, administrative task and developing new solutions are weekly.

None

KTP 1 and 2 training, Green Belt Lean Six-sigma, Sustainability Leadership and Corporate Responsibility, Carbon management, ISO 50001 Energy Management Lead Auditor, ISO 14064-3 Greenhouse Gas Verification and Validation and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Lead auditor.

By applying emerging academic knowledge and expertise in process modelling and analytics, sensor technology and food waste management, Baxters are enhancing operational resiliance and optimising the Fochabers and Manor Vinegar -site wastewater treatment (WWT) plant. The project was strategic from both environmental and business impact perspectives. It recorded several milestones with measurable impact for both the business, academic and associate.

The first stage of the process was to map the current practices at BFG so that benchmarking could be undertaken and future environmental benefits could be measured against. Improvements to the food waste and wastewater management process with annual savings of £360K so far and a projection of £1.6m in 5 years.

The resources provided for travel and consumables were deployed to help deliver the project in a timely fashion. As an associate, I was able to attend trainings and earn certification using the personal development budget.

Yes, I will recommend the KTP Associate role to other grads because of the exposure to both academia and the business environment. This allows the associate to understand the two-different industry and make inform decision on the best career path.