Rochdale lad gets first class honours degree in Chemical Engineering

Matthew Gilmartin (third from the right) gained a first class honours degree in Chemical Engineering

Matthew Gilmartin, who grew up in Heywood, has graduated with a first class honours degree in Chemical Engineering at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. 

Matthew completed his studies whilst holding down a full time job as Principal Senior Process Engineer at Linde Gas.

When talking about his son's achievements, Mathhew's father Peter Gilmartin told Rochdale Online: “He had been working at Linde Gas for ten years, he wanted to a degree in Chemical Engineering as he felt it would help him in the job.

“He was obviously delighted when they said they’d sponsor him. It’s a great achievement to hold down a full time job and get a first class honours degree."

Matthew is delighted and added: “I’ve always been interested in engineering; I started off in mechanical engineering before realising I had a talent and a passion for chemical engineering.

“Working forty hours a work whilst completing the degree was obviously a challenge, though I found already working in the industry has improved my time management skills and work ethic.”

Matthew completed his studies in April and attended his graduation ceremony on Tuesday 2 July.