Microbiologist Review

My role is within the support team of microbiology, it involves the prep of in house medias and qc testing of media both purchased and made in house. I am also trained in another team which is involved in the environmental monitoring of production areas and the testing of the monitoring samples.

I've learnt the process involved in making in house media and the process of quality control testing alongside how to environmental monitor. Existing skills that I feel I have developed are my interpersonal skills but all my team working skills. Having to work with people who range in age and experience can come with its own challenges and I have learnt how to work with them efficiently and effectively.

I have enjoyed working in my role at my company however at times it has proven to be challenging as with every workplace there are issues both personal and as a workplace however I have found that there isn't the support there to deal with them making it a very stressful environment. Regarding uni it isn't very relatable to my job so the degree I find to be rather boring and irrelevant.

Not very, apprentices within my department don't get very much opportunity to develop new skills, more often than not opportunities are given to only a select few so I have found that when it comes to apprentices the experience they gain is next to none. They are often plugged in where the help is most needed and not moved at all during their time as an apprentice. Regarding university there is no deadlines so it is completely up to you to stay on track. This is very challenging while working full time as more often then not you will find a reason in the lab to not do uni work.

Not much, I have tried in the past when I am struggling with uni work to go to my managers but they don't see interested in helping or allowing extra time in work to gain help from those who may have more knowledge in that area. However I have also found that I have gone to them about issues regarding the workplace and it has often been brushed under the carpet.

Support from the training provider isn't much unless you really go out of your way to seek their help. Even when you do this it more often then not isn't helpful in the slightest. However I have found when issues arise at work regarding study time and time to do things the university are very helpful.

I don't think it has helped me to preform better at my role. As I have made my way through my course I have found that it has for the most part been completely irrelevant to what I do on a daily basis. The course has assignments that are supposed to be relating to the workplace however there is no links which can be made for the majority of the modules.

No

Yes

As a whole the company is a very good place to work, I would recommend it to someone who is looking at applying to apprenticeships however I would never recommend the apprenticeship I am on. I have in fact recommended it to people I know for alternate courses such as study management and chemical development.

Be prepared for the amount of work you will have to put in but also the determination you will have to have. Also research as much as possible the process for getting a job at the end of your course and what other courses you may be able to apply for after.