Scholarship to honour Teesside steel industry pioneer
The Materials Processing Institute (MPI), in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland College, has created the Carol Patton Engineering Scholarship to help a young person start a career in engineering.
The scholarship is named after Carol Patton, who has retired from her position as director of business services and company secretary at Middlesbrough-based MPI.
The scholarship is in recognition of her ‘remarkable’ journey from a 16-year-old clerical trainee to her senior role at MPI, which is a national centre for innovation and research for the foundation industries.
Her career began half a mile from the MPI site and has spanned British Steel, Corus, Tata Steel and MPI.
Her first training opportunity involved day release courses and work experience, spending two to three months in a variety of departments, including wages, engineering, accounts, and credit control.
Ms Patton said: “It’s important that young people are encouraged to develop in whatever way suits them, and this scholarship provides them with that opportunity.
“I hope it helps someone take the first step on a path that’s right for them – wherever it may lead.”
The scholarship will allow one student from Redcar and Cleveland College to work directly with the MPI’s engineering team while studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering.
They will also benefit from a paid summer placement at the Institute, where they will learn core skills in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering.
Dave Thompson, project lead at Redcar and Cleveland College, said: “MPI’s ability to offer a range of different experiences will allow the learner to become a flexible engineer covering instrumentation, electrical and mechanical skills while also working within a laboratory and scale-up plant environment.”
Despite not being an engineer herself, Ms Patton has always worked alongside engineers and has gained new skills and experiences whenever possible.
Terry Walsh, CEO of MPI, said: “This scholarship is a fitting tribute to Carol’s legacy – one that values flexibility, lifelong learning, and opening doors for others.”
He added: “By supporting young talent, we’re not only helping individuals fulfil their potential, but investing in the future of innovation and industry.”
Ms Patton also pursued academic qualifications, earning a law degree from University of London, and a master’s degree in business administration from Teesside University.