A scientist who began his career as a 16-year-old apprentice has successfully earned a PhD while working full-time at Ingenza, an Edinburgh-based biotechnology firm. This achievement highlights the potential of work-based learning, coinciding with the celebration of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Jack Kay joined Ingenza in 2012 straight from school, uncertain about pursuing a traditional university education. His proactive approach led him to seek work experience with the company, which opened the door to an apprenticeship. This opportunity allowed him to earn a salary while gaining valuable qualifications in a professional setting.
Initially, Kay completed a Higher National Diploma (HND) in chemical sciences at Forth Valley College, attending classes on day release and spending the remainder of the week working in the laboratory. His commitment to both work and study propelled him to secure a direct entry into the third year of a chemistry program at Heriot-Watt University, specializing in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Kay’s educational journey culminated in a PhD in protein engineering from the University of Plymouth, where he conducted research under the guidance of Professor Mat Upton. His doctoral work focused on engineering microbial proteins, addressing the critical challenge of drug-resistant infections. Ingenza supported his PhD, alongside an Industrial Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, a prestigious award granted to only 10 to 15 candidates each year.
Throughout his academic pursuits, Kay remained integrated within Ingenza, ensuring that his studies were closely aligned with real-world industrial projects. He also benefited from additional support through the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) doctoral training program, which provided specialist sessions and networking opportunities within the broader biotechnology community.
Today, Kay specializes in recombinant protein expression and purification, protein engineering, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning within biotechnology. He is also dedicated to mentoring master’s students through IBioIC, actively contributing to the development of the next generation in the sector.
Kay reflects on his journey, stating, “University didn’t feel like the right fit for me when I was coming to the end of secondary school. I’m a hands-on learner, and I wanted to be in a working lab from the start, so the apprenticeship meant I could earn a wage, gain experience, and build qualifications at the same time. It’s been a long road, but it’s given me real depth of experience.”
As of December 2025, nearly 40,000 modern apprentices were in training across Scotland. Ingenza stands out as one of the few biosciences small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offering long-term progression routes from apprenticeship to doctoral-level study.
Dr. Mary Doherty, skills programme manager at IBioIC, emphasizes the importance of flexible, work-based routes into science and biotechnology. She noted, “Jack’s path shows the power of flexible, work-based routes into science and biotechnology. As we mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, it’s important to recognize that apprenticeships can open doors all the way through to doctoral-level research and highly skilled careers. Strong partnerships between companies, colleges, and universities are key to making that happen.”
This inspiring story serves as a testament to the effectiveness of combining education and practical experience in fostering successful careers in science and technology.
