Laboratory apprentice Review

My role is lab based, involving working with cutting edge technology to make medicines for patients. One day a week I spend studying online towards my degree, the other four days are spent in the workplace gaining experience and working with industry experts. The degree is fully funded and my role is paid.

My scientific knowledge has increased massively through working with industry experts all with different backgrounds. My self-confidence increases everyday as I become more familiar with fellow workers and improve my competency. Resiliance is also a skill I am improving as experiments do not always go to plan and it is vital that I can redo the experiment with enthusiasm and make it successful.

I love my job, everyone is willing to help and teach me their expertise. I find my lab work extremely interesting and I really enjoy the responsibility I have, working on projects which could end up in a patient. I also enjoy my uni course as I feel it is well tailored to the role.

My manager is brilliant at always ensuring I get my one day a week study and this is always arranged as the week starts based on lab work for the week. The uni online layout is easy to follow and makes it easy to keep on top of work as it is laid out into weeks.

I receive lots of support from my employer, I an encouraged to complete extracurricular activity and they are always willing to help my development. If I have a lot of work on everyone is always understanding and help out, for example during exam seasons when I have a lot of revision.

It is easy to contact examiners and get feedback on exam questions and assignments. They are always willing to help and it is always clear who to contact if there are module questions. Feedback is always constructive and the exam support is sufficient and useful. Exam tips re always sent out too.

My degree is well tailored to my job role, this ensures that I have the foundation knowledge before searching into the higher level more complex level. The degree is interesting and often related to industry and applications within the lab. I would say this definitely helps me perform better in my role.

There are plenty of opportunity to get involved in sporting activates, there is a gym onsite too. STEM allows me to visit schools and activities over the county and share my experience, my manager always encourages this and allows me the time to inspire future apprentices, I really enjoy these.

Yes

It is an amazing, inclusive company to work for. There are so many benefits and everyone is so nice and willing to help. It is an amazing company to help you develop and improve knowledge and skill. I have enjoyed every minute of working here so far, so would recommend.

Be yourself, people are looking for students they would be able to work with successfully not necessarily the most intelligent person out there. Be confident and friendly. Show the interviewer the best you and tell them all the experience you have and anything you are proud or passionate about and have been successful in.