A 19-year-old has been recognised in national awards for his medical work at a Teddington-based laboratory.

Jamie Mewburn Crook, from Egham Surrey, started an apprenticeship at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Hampton Road three years ago.

Leaving school aged 16 was a bold decision for Jamie, but after being commended in national and governmental awards, it is one he does not regret.

“I found I was more engaged in a work environment than in school. From a young age I was good at science and engineering - anything that I could see and create,” he said.

However, Jamie struggled with other subjects, discovering he had dyslexia amid his GCSEs.

“An apprenticeship can challenge someone who is an academic. I think you should take the route that’s best suited to you,” added the 19-year-old.

Founded in 1900, the NPL is one of the oldest standardising laboratories in the world.

In his time working in Teddington Jamie has made significant contributions towards cancer treatment and the pandemic.

The youngest worker, he was not allowed to handle radioactive resources until he was 18. However, Jamie found his calling in the 3D printing studio, where he helped work on a bottle project which targets cancer cells more effectively.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

His hard work was recognised by the Institute of Physics when he won their Apprentice Award.

He was also highly commended in the UK Government’s National Apprentice Awards, in a competition of over 1000 applicants whose ages ranged from 18-62.

Jamie helped print 70-100 3D face shields a week, while there was a shortage of PPE that met correct health standards.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

“It’s inspiring to know I’m genuinely helping people; that my work has an impact,” said the 19-year-old.

You can find out more about his work here.