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Testimonials

Isla Taylor

R&D Colour Chemist

"I’m really enjoying studying through CTI. I enjoy that I can take the courses at my own pace and find time around my workload to do the course content."

Modules Undertaken
  • L4

    403 Solvents and Additives

  • L4

    404 Media - Introduction and Manufacture of Media

  • L4

    405 Non-Convertible Media

  • L4

    406 Oils, Driers and Oleoresins

  • L4

    407 Convertible Media - Alkyds and Polyesters

  • L4

    408 Acrylics and Aminos

  • L4

    409 Epoxies and Urethane Resins

What made you want to study with the Coatings Training Institute? Where were you in your career when you began your studies?

I work in the R&D lab at HMG and my role focuses on colour chemistry.  I chose to study with the Coatings Training Institute because I wanted to build on my knowledge of coatings.  I aspired to further understand the fundamentals of coatings chemistry and expand my technical knowledge.

How did you find your experience studying through CTI? What were your main takeaways? What was the level of difficulty for you?

I’m really enjoying studying through CTI. I enjoy that I can take the courses at my own pace and find time around my workload to do the course content.  The main takeaway has been developing my knowledge of various different systems used in coatings formulation, in particular resin systems.  I’ve found this information very useful in my role.  The difficulty level has been moderate as I have a chemistry background.  For me, some aspects are more challenging than others, but all of it has been insightful.

How did your studies help you in your career? Where are you now?

My studies with CTI have helped me further my understanding of how certain raw materials can affect the properties of finished goods.  This has helped me in the lab while formulating new products.  My main role still focuses around colour chemistry but now I have a deeper knowledge of how coatings are formulated and how to manipulate the properties for the desired results.

What does being shortlisted for BCF’s Student of the Year Award mean to you?

I was honoured and surprised to be nominated for Student of the Year.  It means a lot to me that my hard work is recognised by the BCF and it drives me to do the best in the modules I’m taking.

What would you say to someone looking to study through CTI?

I’d definitely recommend studying through the CTI.  I think the course content is very varied to suit any area of the coatings industry, and modules can be hand-selected to suit the learner.  I believe CTI is a great foundation of knowledge for the coatings industry and means students can build on and expand their technical knowledge of important processes in the industry.  It’s also flexible and can be tailored to your own timeframe so you can easily study around your fulltime workload.