Drug Substance Manufacture Apprentice Review

I am a member of the Process Safety team and I help to perform explosive screens on compounds used within processes. I would typically discuss the process with the chemists who developed it and would determine based on its structure whether the compound needed testing to determine its thermal stability. One of the responsibilities I am taking more control of is the calibration of our instruments to ensure they give correct values.

I have learnt more about the Health and Safety aspect of a pharmaceutical company and the necessity to get it absolutely correct, and how much different attitudes affect Safety. As a part of my university course I carried out a Health and safety project within work and am able to perform this well because of my training. All the instruments I work on in my role I had never seen before, so everything within my role is new to me and I have learnt a lot.

Very much. I have a very open and collaborative team who are all willing to help. I also enjoy the social aspect, the closeness of all the apprentices even though we all work in different areas. Company culture is great, with a large focus on collaborating to get the best results possible, and i have yet to come across someone who was unwilling to help with anything. I did not really know what to expect upon applying, but the expectations I did have have been exceeded.

Feel appreciated in my team as I know I am helping on a day to day basis, making the job easier for my team as I take on a lot of the laboratory and analysis work. My department manager also clearly appreciates me as he takes great interest in my work and keeps up to date with the work I'm doing, organising bi-monthly catch ups.

Has felt very organised within the company, less so from my associated university. Structured 2 week general induction before having specific training within my team. Regular meeting with my work mentor and manager help to keep the job organised. University course seems well organised but with little input from the mentors.

Apart from a residential week at university, I have had no face to face contact with my mentors. They are happy to help when I email them directly but can take a long time to reply even with little questions. Saying this, it also depends on the mentor. The supervisor of the Health and Safety course proactively finds out whether we are sturggling or not, whereas the Laboratory Skills leader can take days to get back to even the simplest of questions.

Constantly supported in all aspects of my role. Manager always happy to help and organises monthly meetings. Mentor proactively seeks to further my abilities. I am always encouraged to attend training events even not specifically related to my role in order to gain a better understanding of the company.

For me, the salary is satisfactory however I know many who find it more of a struggle. I was able to continue living at home and commuting to work, so without rent or money for fuel I have enough for social activity and some left over, however if I was to move out and take on many living costs of food, rent, petrol I know with my salary I would have to significantly budget.

There are often company events scheduled. These can be meals out with people from all over the site in unrelated areas of work, or entire department events after a company success. There is a gym on site that is ideal for those who wish to keep fit but find it hard to find the time to go to work and back and the gym separately. Often the apprentices organise nights out be it just all going to a pub or going into town for bigger events.

Yes

It is a brilliant company that constantly offer support and only want to see you and the company exceed. The apprenticeship scheme is excellent because it means i can both get a degreee and further my education whilst getting invaluble laboratory experience that university students may not have. The hope is also that after the apprenticeship that I will have obtained a full time job and this would be a fantastic opportunity at such a great company. There is a genuine drive on Health and Safety and reducing accidents in the workplace, can clearly see they do care for the employees which isn't always guarenteed.

During interviews and assessment days, whilst remaining professional don't be afraid to show your human side as it's much more engaging and more likely to get you remembered. Similarly, don't just answer questions with what you think they want to hear. Be yourself and have engaging conversations. During the onboarding process, listen and absorb everything that is said even if you don't think it applies to you, as it will more than likely be useful sooner or later. Take as many opportunities as you can get within or outside of your team and widen your network within the company.