Laboratory Analyst Review

I am a laboratory analyst. My daily tasks involve testing products using different analytical techniques to ensure products are within specification before going to market. I have a variety of responsibilities. I have many opportunities to develop within my job role and through projects with the other apprentices on site.

I have learnt many new skills and developed ones I currently had. Through my day release at university I am studying towards a chemistry degree. Being in the workplace has allowed development of general skills that are required as well as those specific to my job role. I am surrounded by experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I can learn from.

I enjoy my programme and it gives me great opportunities to network and develop. My team at work treat me as a normal colleague which helps me to fit in better.

I feel valued and know that my job is important for the release of products. My manager appreciates my efforts and this is regularly feedback to me in 1:1 sessions. Also, in a recent project I received global recognition award for my hard work.

The structure is well organised. However this can be affected when there are particularly busy periods for my business unit. The support we are receiving from the apprentice managers is getting better and I am part of a team trying to high light potential issues for current apprentices and try to stop them happening again. Training can be slow at busy periods.

My training provider is the university so it can be quite difficult to get support from them as I only attend university one day per week and it is full of lectures and tutorials. This makes it hard to get involved with other students and raise issues. The degree is part time and often tutors can forget this.

My manager is very supportive and if he can not help me with particular issues he can point me to those that can help.

The starting salary is good for an apprenticeship. However my apprenticeship is 4 years so if I wanted to move out of my house I would not be able to because the salary doesn't cover that. There is potential for good pay rises but is reviewed by your manager. I live about 45 minutes from work so my travel costs are very high so it would be easier if I could move closer.

There are opportunities to get involved with projects in work, but there are not many company or apprentice based events to get involved with. Those that are offered are sometimes difficult to get involved as they are not fully detailed.

Yes

Fantastic opportunity to work and get paid at the same time. Amazing opportunities to allow good career prospects, personal and professional development. .

The application process is difficult but try and be yourself. They don't want a ready made candidate but they want to see potential to develop.