AkzoNobel Graduates First Engineers from its North American Training Program

The first engineering students completed AkzoNobel’s North America Graduate Engineering Trainee (GET) program and are now working in various roles in the company. Brian Nkenke, an IT operations officer based in High Point, NC; Matt Ebanks, a project engineer in Waukegan, IL; and Audrey Tan, a process engineer in Huron, OH, secured positions within the company following a two-year stint.

The 18 to 30 month program, which combines on-the-job experience and classroom training, was first started in South Asia in 2019, followed by implementation in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and the Americas in 2020 and 2021. Depending on the regional program, graduates have the opportunity to spend six to nine month rotations in different manufacturing functions.

The company reports that all three were able to develop their skills in leadership, project management, data analysis, technical and paint manufacturing across multiple AkzoNobel sites in North America.

“It was exciting to be able to graduate from the GET program, where it has challenged and given me a variety of opportunities to grow and become a well-rounded engineer,” Tan said. “What made the GET experience an even better one was being among the first graduates of the program. We grew and discovered together on how to make the best GET program for our future trainees.”

More than 70 trainees, including 16 in North America, have enrolled in the program designed to prepare participants for key roles in managerial or experts’ positions at the company.

Ebanks, 27, said it“was very fulfilling to be a part of this extensive training program, which provides a unique experience to travel, grow, and meet new people at different locations. The chance to work with different teams and within different business units provided a diverse learning experience and an opportunity to broaden my skills and perspectives. Being one of the first to go through the program was definitely a privilege.”

“I’m so proud to see our first group of North American trainees graduating from this amazing program,” Richard Kenmuir, AkzoNobel’s regional project manager for the Americas, who oversees the North America GET program. “The GET Program combines on-the-job training and classroom projects to equip the trainees with vital skills and experience used in a variety of roles. We are preparing for the future and always new talent.”