At Chemical Solutions Limited, we believe that helping students grow into confident, capable scientists is both a privilege and a responsibility. That belief shapes the way we approach our internship partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT)/Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau.
Each year, we welcome a final-year science student into our technical team, where they’re treated as a valued part of the whānau. It’s not about observing from the sidelines — it’s about contributing meaningfully, asking questions, gaining confidence, and understanding how science is practiced in the real world. These internships are a shared experience – students gain hands-on skills, and our team is enriched through mentoring, fresh thinking, and renewed perspective.
To understand how this all works in practice, we spoke with Owen Thomson, Technical Team Lead at Chemical Solutions. As a mentor, leader, and advocate for applied learning, Owen offers insight into the value this programme brings – not just to students, but to the entire organisation.
Meet Owen
From left: Teresia (QA Lab Technician), Greer (Intern), and Owen (Technical Team Leader) at Chemical Solutions’ lab.
Owen Thomson leads our technical team, a group responsible for everything from quality assurance to new product development and compliance. Under his guidance, interns like Greer don’t just learn the ropes — they become integrated into the daily life of the lab, making rea
For Owen, mentoring is not about ticking a box. It’s about inspiring curiosity, encouraging growth, and building future capability in a way that aligns with the values of the business.
A Strategic Commitment to Education and Innovation
Insights from the Lab: Q&A with Owen Thomson
Q1. Owen, as the Technical Team Lead at Chemical Solutions Limited what responsibilities do you manage on a day-to-day basis?
A: The technical team interacts with each part of the business daily. As a team we look after quality, production support, new product development, compliance, regulatory updates, customer query support.
Q2: How does the internship program fit into your team’s workflow, and what role do interns play in the lab?
A: The internship program offers valuable support to our team. Once interns are fully trained and up to speed, they are integrated as active, contributing members of the team. Our interns contribute to quality assurance for the production team and actively partake (hands on) in our new product development initiatives.
Q3: From your perspective, what are the biggest benefits of having an intern in your team?
A: Having interns who are eager to learn and contribute brings fresh energy to the team. Their enthusiasm is invigorating, and it provides experienced team members with a valuable opportunity to reflect, mentor, and share their knowledge.
Q4: How does mentoring interns align with the values of Chemical Solutions Limited, particularly the company’s ‘whanau’ culture?
A: The charm of CSL is its close-knit environment. Unlike large corporate settings, most of our employees work on a single site, fostering daily interaction and collaboration. This creates a strong sense of connection across teams.
Q5: What do you look for in an intern when selecting candidates for the program?
A: I look for an eagerness to learn and a proactive positive attitude.
Q6: Can you share an example of how an intern has made a significant contribution to a project or task during their time with you?
A: We have recently been exploring innovative ingredients as part of our development of new and exciting products. Our intern has played an active role in this process, assisting with the testing of various ingredient combinations to identify the most effective formulations for optimal results.
Q7: What has the internship program taught you personally, and how has it impacted your role as a leader?
A: Mentoring interns has enhanced my leadership skills, patience, and ability to communicate technical concepts more effectively.
Q8: What do you believe interns gain from this experience, and how does it help them prepare for their future careers?
A: My objective is to provide interns with meaningful, real-world experience that distinguishes them from other graduates in the job market. We aim to equip them with a solid foundation of the practical requirements of an industry laboratory, experience they can build upon as they progress in their careers.
Q9: How do you think the partnership between Chemical Solutions Limited and the university benefits all three parties?
A: For the company, it’s a source of fresh energy, ideas, and potential future employees; for the students, it’s practical experience, networking, and a deeper understanding of industry applications and the link with the University. For the University, this collaboration enhances AUT’s reputation as a leading university of choice, known for producing capable and career-ready graduates.
“My objective is to provide interns with meaningful, real-world experience that distinguishes them from other graduates in the job market. We aim to equip them with a solid foundation of the practical requirements of an industry laboratory, experience they can build upon as they progress in their careers.” – Owen Thomson, Technical Team Lead
Conclusion
Owen’s leadership and belief in mentoring are central to what makes this internship programme thrive. His guidance – and the way his team embraces each intern as part of the whānau — reflects our commitment to growing people, not just filling roles.
What we see through our internship programme is the true meaning of shared development. While students learn about formulation, testing, and regulatory requirements, our team deepens its commitment to collaboration, patience, and mentorship. Everyone contributes to the experience — and everyone grows through it.
At Chemical Solutions, we’re proud to stand beside our interns, building a stronger, more connected science community in Aotearoa. This is our role in the village — and one we take seriously.
