Lab Apprentice Review

As part of my role I complete experiments to aid the development of a new drug for a disease. This usually involves multiple experiments using in-vitro (in test tube) or ex-vivo (outside the body) models. This is to better understand the biology behind a target. I also read papers to get a come up with and design new experiments. After the experiment is complete, I analyse the data generated to see if there are any significant differences using statistical tests and write a report. Finally, I share the data obtained to the rest of the team.

I have developed both my professional and scientific skills. I have learnt many different biological techniques over 3.5years, such as cell culture (from complex models to suspension cells), MSD/ELISAs, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, western blot, histology (immunohistochemistry), CRISPR, transfections and transductions. Furthermore, I have learnt how to troubleshoot should an experiment produce unexpected data or does not work. Professional skills I have developed are presentational, organisational, time management and communicational skills.

I really love that I work on the cutting edge of science and can collaborate with world leading experts. I think the apprenticeship programme has helped me to develop both professionally and as a person. I now have 3.5yrs experience working in industry giving me a competitive advantage. Also, at the end of my programme I will not have student loans to pay off.

I work four days a week and study one day a week. There are 3 exam sittings a year in February, June and November, so I don’t have to sit all my exams together. There's also two week long summer schools in the first and second years of the apprenticeship.

Quite a lot. My employer has a team to help apprentices. Also, there is the apprentice team at my university that I can contact, should I need any advice/support. I have a line manager at work who trains me and helps with my experiments. I also have a mentor who I can go to for a perspective outside of my department.

All my modules with the university of Kent are online, except for two which take place on campus. These two modules are summer schools, which each last a week and involve conducting several practicals, writing a report and sitting an exam at the end. There are several lecturers who design the study guides and assignments that I work through to get my BSc. They provide prompt feedback and are an email away.

My degree helps me to better understand the science behind my experiments at work. It increases my understanding of techniques I complete as well as other bioscience techniques. In addition to biology based modules there are business improvement (which looks at different methods to improve businesses), GxP (the different good practices for working in a lab/clinic/manufacturing) and drug discovery (goes through in detail the different stages of drug discovery) modules.

There are regular networking opportunities (which are virtual at the moment) within my department and with the other apprentices/industrial placement students. There are lots of different employee resource groups to get involved from LGBTQ to nature lovers. There is also a departmental Christmas party and an student boat party every year.

Yes

It is a great place to work, everyone is really friendly. The fact that you can get a degree, whilst working and gaining experience is great. Also, you will not have student loans to pay back when you finish at the end. At the end of an apprenticeship, most apprentices find a permanent job at the company.

I would recommend looking at both apprenticeships and university course and seeing what would be better for you and your career goals. Is the course the apprenticeship involved something you are interested in? Do you want to work in academia or industry? Also, I would recommend looking into how the different courses are taught/assessed and pick the one you prefer.