Laboratory Science Review

My role is to test the products made here in Maidenhead, I perform chemical analysis on the finished products. On a day to day basis I will pick up a set amount of samples for a specific method, perform the analysis then collect and analyse the results. For example, testing the fluoride content in a product.

I have learnt the skill of chromatography and the skill of learning how to analyse a chromatogram when results are produced. I have learnt basic lab skills such as pipetting, titrations etc. Furthermore I have built on my communication skills with regular meetings and projects that I have been involved in. This has given me confidence to speak in a room full of people.

I love learning whilst earning. I like putting what I am learning in my degree in to practice in a real life working environment. Everyone will always wish for a higher wage but at the end of it we will be the ones with no debt from going to university and having those fees.

The programme is well structured as I get one set day a week to study towards my university degree so it is ensured I have the right amount of hours put aside each week for my studies. We work on a rotational basis every 9 months which is well organised and has a specific timeline of when and where I will be going. I believe the programme is well structured.

I receive support from my employer with regular catch up sessions. I also get some study leave for when my exams are that week which is useful as working a full time job and studying for a chemistry degree can be hard. I also receive support by them allowing my that day off every week to study. If I need help with my degree there's someone that can help me in the workplace.

I receive support from the university of kent often. They put us in contact with the academic for the specific modules and any questions I have had are usually answered in the hour. If not I know of other contacts who I could reach out to. They give good feedback on assignments. The only negative is sometimes the marking can take a while to come back, maybe 3 weeks sometimes which can feel much longer when it is useful to have the feedback to improve on your next assignment.

In the workplace I am performing the practical side to the degree. The degree gives me the detailed theory knowledge to gain a rounded knowledge of what I am doing. The qualification goes above and beyond what I need to know for this specific role but is helpful in the fact that it is better to know more than less.

No. The apprentices socialise within themselves and arrange socials but there are no specific sports teams at this site (probably because it is smaller than the other sites as I know they have more arranged activities). Within the programme though you go on annual apprentice trips such as the lake district in year one where you partake in activities such as canoeing, kayaking, absailing etc. This is a good opportunity to meet other apprentices from around the country.

Yes

It is a good company with good values and a good ethos. I would recommend as the share scheme is good as is the pension scheme. I am given support financially as part of a company benefit. Have access to private healthcare and many more perks to the job which tend to be the main thing people will discuss when recommending to a friend.

Be honest be yourself. If you aren't right for the job then it would be wrong for both parties so it is pointless trying to be something you aren't as it will only get found later. Learn the values and what the company strives for. Show how much you want the job.