Apprentice Laboratory Services Technician Review

My day to day task involves collecting dirty washing, sorting out hazardous waste, making agar plates, making different media and carrying out mycoplasma testing. My role has involved helping preparing aliquots of media for the university of oxford practical classes for biomedical students, helping in stores with the delivering of goods and covering reception desk when needed.

I have learnt many new skills relevant to my job role as I have come from not having any experience in the role to being very confident with the tasks I carry out. I have also been able to develop my knowledge in the scientific field as I have spent time in different research areas within my department which has included spending time in the electron microscopy facility, a few days in a research laboratory and time in the flow cytometry laboratory. As well as this my confidence has grown from completing these tasks and being a apprenticeship ambassador for the university

I have enjoyed my apprenticeship a lot as it has really given me an insight into working a laboratory technician and all the skills I have learnt will be able to be transferred to any future role. I have also enjoyed my apprenticeship because of the people I work with who are all very supportive of me and especially my manager who provides me with as many opportunities as possible to continue to develop my knowledge.

My programme is very well organised. My initial training was completed over the first few months of my apprenticeship and I have been given more and more tasks to complete as my apprenticeship has continued. I have had regular meetings with my manager to check on progress towards a behavioural log which is part of the college assessment. Towards my studying and my college assignments, I am provided with any extra help should I acquire it.

My employer is very supportive of me and towards the completion of my apprenticeship. My manager has provided me with guidance and allocated me more tasks as he knows that I am trustworthy. He has also given me help towards any future plans and has always been on hand for any questions.

My training provider is very supportive when it comes to work towards the qualifications. My tutor always provide excellent guidance towards assignments and is always on hand during the week via email with any queries. My vocational skills coach is very supportive towards the completion of the competency log and then the overall end point assessment.

My qualification has enabled me to have a better understanding of different processes that happen in my work place but also in the wider industry. For example by having more knowledge I have been able to apply this to the job role more effectively. This has included making processes more efficient.

I am involved in the Oxford University apprenticeship ambassador network which has enabled me to go to different events. This has involved helping at career fairs which I have really enjoyed doing to share my experiences of being an apprentice to inspire the next generation. By doing this it has also helped me develop my confidence massively.

Yes

I would recommend the university of oxford for apprenticeships as it provides the best opportunity to learn on the job whilst having money coming in. As well as this it provides you with extra networking opportunities such as being an ambassador which is one of the best things to do

My advice to anyone applying is to just go for it, apply for the apprenticeship as it will turn out to be one of the best decisions you make. My advice will also to be just be yourself and if you don't get the first apprenticeship you apply for, don't worry just carry on and find another. As the right opportunity will be out there for you.