Trainee, Experienced
Internship: Portfolio Development / Product Research
Team: Portfolio Development Team – UK AC Technical
Supervisor: Sander Schuurmans
Company: PPG
About PPG
PPG is a global producer of coatings, paints, and specialty materials. Innovation, material expertise, and technical substantiation are central to the development and optimization of high-performance paint systems for professional and industrial applications.
Internship Objective
During this internship, you will focus on technical product and portfolio research within the UK AC segment. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of paint and learn how products within a paint portfolio technically differ from one another, and how these differences translate into performance aspects such as coverage, durability, and application properties.
Tasks and Responsibilities
As a Portfolio Development intern, you will support the team with, among other things:
Technical Product Research
Analyzing product specifications (TDS, SDS, formulations, and datasheet information)
Comparing paint products based on technical parameters such as:
Coverage (opacity, hiding power)
Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC)
Binder types and ratios
Solids content, density, and viscosity
Deepening Knowledge of Paint Chemistry and Composition
Learning how paint is formulated (pigments, binders, solvents, additives)
Understanding how composition affects:
Film formation
Adhesion
Abrasion resistance and durability
Gloss and color stability
Portfolio Analysis
Mapping technical overlaps and gaps within the product portfolio
Supporting portfolio rationalization or optimization initiatives
Providing technical substantiation for product positioning within the portfolio
Technical Team Support
Preparing technical analyses for internal stakeholders
Documenting findings in clear, technically substantiated reports
Collaborating with R&D, Technical Service, and Portfolio Managers
What Will You Learn During This Internship?
What paint is from a technical perspective and how different components interact
How paint coverage and performance can be measured and explained
How a professional paint portfolio is technically structured and managed
How technical product data is used in commercial and strategic decision-making
Your Profile
You are currently pursuing a higher professional (HBO) or university (WO) degree in:
Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
You have an interest in:
Materials science and technical product properties
Chemical formulations and applications
You work analytically, in a structured and accurate manner, and are comfortable with technical documentation and data analysis.
You have a good command of English (documentation and team environment).
What Does PPG Offer?
A technically in-depth internship within an international, innovative company
Intensive guidance from experienced professionals in portfolio and product development
Practical exposure to paint, coating, and materials technology
A strong foundation for a technical or product-focused career within the coatings industry
About us:
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™
Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.
The PPG Way 2030
We are customer champions
Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.
We act with purpose and speed
Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.
We are excellent operators
Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.
We compete to win
Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.
We are PPG proud
Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.
At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.
PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [email protected].
PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.
PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.
