Laboratory Technician Review

I work within R&D. My role involves evaluating new product feasibility as well as working on various projects. I am also involved in laboratory analysis of the chemicals from the plant - monitoring them as such so that appropriate alterations can be made on the plant to maintain correct levels that are within specification.

I have learnt so much during my apprenticeship it would be difficult to list everything. The main key skills I have developed is how to work as a team as well as how to communicate effectively and gain confidence in doing presentations. Within the role I have learnt many analytical techniques and many test methods. I have also developed my critical thinking through my work on projects. Organising project work has helped me understand how to manage my time effectively.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I would recommend it to anyone. I think there is a lot to be said for getting the hands on experience in your job role whilst getting your qualifications at the same time. You learn so much more because you are constantly seeing real world applications for what you have been learning in the class room.

I find my programme to be very well structured and organised. Nevertheless, due to the fact you are working full time and doing a degree part time, you can imagine you are very busy! Therefore, it is vital that you are able to manage your time effectively to keep on top of the work.

My employer is very supportive. I am allowed a day per week to do my studies which makes the workload manageable. If I have webinars occasionally on other days during the week, I am also allowed time to watch these. They allow me the time to do the best that I can.

My course is distance learning so face to face contact with lecturers is rare. However, lectures respond very quickly to any questions via email or they are a telephone call away. New lectures are posted online weekly along with tutorials to watch to aid my learning. They also suggest external resources and textbooks that might be useful. Learning is also supported by live webinars where we can ask questions and have them answered.

My qualification hugely benefits my role as I am able to bring things that I have learnt in lectures and tutorials and apply them to my work place. I am able to suggest more complex ideas and thoughts the more that my knowledge progresses which makes me able to make better contributions to the team.

There is a charity team who get involved in organising events for charity. I think there are sports events you can also get involved in but this is not something I have been involved in. There are many professional networking events to be involved in that are really beneficial to be a part of.

Yes

The company is a great place to work with a friendly atmosphere. Everyone is really supportive, especially towards apprentices, and everyone is keen to share their knowledge with you. There are also many opportunities to progress your career within the business. It is somewhere I can see myself working for the foreseeable future.

Be enthusiastic and do research about the business before you apply. Know at least the general things have some knowledge of the process - you can guarantee you could be asked what you know about the business in an interview and it says a lot if you have taken the time to learn about what we do.