NECC learner Sue Dickinson wouldn’t look out of place on the set on CSI – for Susan works as a lab technician at Sunderland-based genetic testing specialist, Complement Genomics Ltd!

Sue’s role as a lab technician involves extracting DNA for analysis in paternity testing as part of the company’s UKAS accredited dadcheck® service, and also for use in forensic examinations.

Sue, who started working at Complement Genomics as a laboratory cleaner, made the dramatic career switch after showing interest in lab work, and thanks to some in-house training from her manager Louise Allcroft, and support from NECC to gain an NVQ Level 2 in Laboratory and Associated Technical, she is thriving in her new role.

Sue, from Carley Hill, Sunderland, said, “It’s obviously a new direction from my original role at Complement, but the training from both Louise and NECC has really helped me to adapt to the new job.

“Working and learning at the same time is brilliant. The job is very varied and receiving training at the same time makes it really interesting, and better still, I’m gaining nationally recognised qualifications to go along with my new skills.”

Read Laboratory Technician job profile