Laboratory Scientist Apprentice Review

Running analysis, processing and reporting data, communicating to my team, demonstrating lab skills and problem solving.

Yes, worked on my prioritisation as this is something that is very important to ensure all tasks are complete on time to a high standard, I have developed confidence, resilience to keep on going and working through things (if I'm not struggling then I'm not pushing myself enough).

I thoroughly enjoy the programme that I am on, I am surrounded by support on a daily basis through colleagues and I learn something new everyday. I am made to feel that work is a safe environment where I can be myself, I am also encouraged by my team to always give things a go rather than worry about failing at a task and that has really helped my development.

I personally feel that the work side of my programme is organised very well. I have a brilliant support network and I am always aware of where I can get help and support when it is needed. The plan that my manager and mentor had lined up for me was explained to be as a rough guideline meaning I had clarity from the start of my apprenticeship on what I am going to be doing and achieving with their support. The university side has sometimes been structured so that there are times where the workload is very intense and is hard to keep up with but overall I also believe that the online layout of our course is clear to follow.

I receive plenty of support from my employer which is done through regular catch ups, team meetings where we have check-ins on the whole team and just also through the relationship I feel I have with my manager and team as I feel comfortable to raise any concerns/ issues to them when I feel like I need extra support and I know that they would happily provide this for me.

A good level- sometimes the communication between student and lecturers can feel strained as I sometimes reach out to ask a question to double check something before a deadline and don't always hear back from them or sometimes hear back when it is too late. We are reminded of the support available through university however I would definitely reach out to work first.

I think gaining the higher level chemistry knowledge does help me to understand the theories and ideas behind some concepts better and enables me to understand some conversations better at work, however not all of the units are really applicable and so much of the chemistry knowledge is nothing to do with my day to day job therefore doesn't interest me as much as the information that supports my work nicely does.

Yes- apprenticeship social events, team lunches, netball team, and also ERGs (employee resource groups) which are formed within work to help people at work with things that can make a difference to their every day for example the great place to work team focus on making work a positive place to be.

Yes

The people are all so welcoming and friendly. They are also so so knowledgeable and you gain learning from those people in such a unique way. I am very well supported but still challenged and get to be involved in things I never would have thought I could have been able to achieve from 18 years old.

Be yourself and make sure that you have a genuine interest in what you are applying for. That is the most important thing to ensure that you will enjoy and do well at your apprenticeship.