Formulation/ Measurement scientist Review

Measurement Scientist. Tasks involve attending project meetings and working on basic tasks. I am responsible for the project I am running which involves repetitive measurements. Very few internal interactions, no external interactions.

Training in health and safety etc. Communication and team-working skills. Experience of working in a professional environment.

At the moment, I do not enjoy the work I am doing and have limited interaction with my team. Current changes in the company have led to a decrease in 'company culture'.

Recently, this has greatly decreased. Apprenticeships are valued by the company globally but the R&D based roles receive much less recognition. I have basic involvement with tasks/ projects and am often left from discussions and decision making.

Induction gave a lot of information (although much of it was simply documents to read). Support system is poor as there are no frequent formal reviews and very few informal opportunities to feedback. Studying is the most well organised as it is ran externally by the university.

Support from the university is good as we are treated exactly like other students with an academic adviser to contact about specific issues and support from lecturers when required. Transition into the learning was more difficult but became easier quite quickly.

Minimal support from manager, often 'ignored'. No official 'mentor', which makes it difficult to know where to go when issues arise. Support is accessible by email which can take a while to receive a response, meaning general guidance is difficult to obtain. The general attitude of colleagues is good when approached directly for advise.

Study costs are covered by the company which is a big bonus. The salary is very generous and covers all living costs as well as leaving some left over.

A volunteer scheme exists with the company matching any voluntary holidays given to a registered charity. Events take place in the local community that are open to all. Plenty of site leisure and sports clubs do exist.

No

Based on my current experience, I would look elsewhere for an opportunity. However, I am confident that experiences do vary within the company and so wouldn't advise completely against it - I'd advise a friend to be sure it is for them and remember there are positives and negatives to taking on full-time employment and study. People should not simply look at the good salary and 'big' company name and assume everything will be perfect, all jobs have ups and downs and it is possible placements won't play to your strengths or personal preferences.

Make sure you know what is involved by reading the website and attending outreach events - chatting to the team (many of which are current apprentices) will give you a good insight about what is involved that will be useful in making your decision and in the interview. Interviews are all multiple step so make sure your CV and cover letter are strong as they will be screened by HR and then prepare well for the phone/ online interview as this is the next stage of the screening process. Make sure you are relaxed and confident for the assessment days as you will up against other strong candidates. Once you have been successful, the on-boarding process will be different to anything you have experienced as you're in a full-time professional role with a lot to learn quite quickly.