Laboratory Technician Apprentice Review

My role involves making sure that there are enough supplies, chemical and frequently used materials (consumables) for activities to be undertaken. I also help out and support any scientific or technical activities that are going on across my division, which sometimes includes travelling away to perform tests on a range of equipment

A lot of the basic laboratory skills picked up in A-Level chemistry and biology have been developed. This includes using consumables such as pipettes and also developing theory that was learnt in college and applying it to the activities being undertaken. New skills have been learnt involving the use and operation of different equipment.

I enjoy my programme very much. The programme and specification to achieve the NVQ has given me access to a variety of work. I have had the opportunity to travel and preform tasks, work with a range of equipment and people on site and also enhance and learn a variety of skills.

There has been a few difficulties with the apprenticeship as this has been the first run of a new way of doing things. It has felt like the new format has not been understood by the training provider or not communicated own clearly. My assessor and people in the workplace however have been very supportive and also interested in understanding the system.

My employer is very supportive and makes sure to check in regularly to make sure that I am progressing well and have all the materials that I need. Other people in the workplace I have come to work with have also been very supportive in helping me undertake new tasks to achieve goals within the apprenticeship.

The training provider offered a small amount of support. They provided lessons in order to teach us the content of the 'technical certificate' area of the apprenticeship, but unfortunately the lessons were too infrequent to supply all the information needed. The assessor they have sent out has been very supportive on the other hand and is always contactable in case of any questions.

A lot of the specification is very suited to my role on a day to day basis as a laboratory technician. It has covered the basics of all the tasks that I perform and has made me see the legal side as to why tasks are done a certain way. It ha also pushed me to broaden my skills though in order to help other teams/groups and form links with them.

The new starters group at work always put on a few social events throughout the year but I have not been able to attend any of them. They do day trips out and activities such as paintballing or football. There has been a new starters conference which was very useful and provided networking opportunities to people across the whole company and from other sites. When travelling away for work we are always social in the evening and go out for meals.

Yes

I would recommend and have recommended DSTL to a friend. This is because as long a they like science, there is a whole wide range of opportunities for them to learn new things and see amazing developments. There is also a great work-life balance that is helped by a flexi-scheme on time and 25 days holiday. They pay is adequate for where they are likely to be in life if going for an apprenticeship.

If they apply I would tell them no to worry about what grades that have achieved at a-level of GCSE. If they want the job bad enough and can show that in their interview by doing research and answering questions with enthusiasm then they have done the best that they can. Good grades in a science are obviously a bonus though.