Pathology Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis, I am responsible for general lab maintenance so I'll spend my morning sorting things out in the lab. I then have project work that contributes to the company's research, so I need to ensure I meet deadlines with my lab work. I attend team meetings and seminars to further develop my scientific knowledge.

I have learnt a great deal of lab experience since I have been working here. This includes a range of pathology equipment, autostainers and have become fluent in immunohistochemistry. I've been on several internal training courses to develop my interpersonal skills as well as skills such as scientific writing. In addition, I have been on courses for publishing papers and statistics. All of which are hugely beneficial for my development and training.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship. The mix of university work alongside laboratory work and being given my own responsibilities has made me work hard but also reap the rewards. I am being recognised for delivering work and having a good attitude. The team I work in have been welcoming and the culture of MedImmune is a 'work hard - play hard' ethos. There is many opportunities to be rewarded for our hard work and generally a lot of praise.

From my manager all the way through to higher management, there has been a huge amount of praise and recognition for us as apprentices. We are constantly given the opportunity to present and talk at events. There is a huge emphasis on the apprentices being the 'future' of science. There is also reward schemes in place and competitions we can enter.

Initially, when I was employed by MedImmune I was the only apprentice they had. So a lot of the organisation of the apprenticeship came as I was going through it. Having said that, the experience from all of the other apprentices is that they have had a really smooth transition into their apprenticeship. In terms of the structure of my apprenticeship. I am given one day per week to study and the other four days I am doing lab/project work. My manager and I meet weekly to discuss my workload and I also have a mentor as well as access to coaching should I feel I need it.

On the whole, the support is good. They are quick to respond to issues, feedback from assignments comes relatively quickly. The whole team are really invested in you doing well and will do anything to help you, should you need it.

My manager is very supportive and is always there to lend a hand when needed. My mentor is someone who doesn't work in my team which is really helpful when discussing issues which need a fresh pair of eyes. There is a huge amount of guidance if needed, with plenty of people to go to for help. Everyone here has a really great attitude towards helping the apprentices.

On the whole, the salary is good. If you are living at home with parents and not paying a lot of rent then this salary is much more than needed. If you live on your own however, and are paying a lot more in rent and bills then the salary can fall a little short. Especially if you are running a car or commuting via a train every day. Being based in Cambridge, with the site moving in a few years to the Addenbrookes site, it would be advisable to ensure the salary definitely meets, if not exceeds, what you need to comfortably live off.

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities outside work. There are sports and social clubs, as well as people whom organise events for concerts or theatre trips. Many teams also enjoy going to evening dinners together or even for nights out. As apprentices, we have regular socials. There is also many opportunities to get involved in STEM and outreach programmes to encourage children to get interested in science.

Yes

MedImmune (part of AZ) is a fun place to work with many opportunites. It really does feel like a place where you are given the chance to take experiences and fly.

Make sure that you are completely yourself, MedImmune looks for team fit a lot. Be passionate about the subject and don't be intimidated by assessment days or interviews. Most of the time they have other apprentices there, and we would have been involved in the organisation of the recruitment day. It will all be okay!