Science Degree Apprentice - RDI Review

My role is a research scientist apprentice. In a typical day I will often be working on pilot plant studies out at site, taking samples to send to the lab, or performing small scale lab experiments. I also get involved in report writing and presenting results for the projects I work on and I analyse the data we receive from the labs which provide us with evidence whether the innovative technologies we are trialling are working or not!

I have definitely learnt an array of new skills and been able to develop many others which I already had. I have been able to develop research, communication, problem solving skills, and have learn how to work independently and as a part of a wider team. I have also been able to improve my literacy and mathematical skills through report writing and calculations carried out as part of the job. There have also been plenty of opportunities to go on training courses such as manual handling, confined spaces, mind fit (mental health awareness), etc.

I enjoy my programme very much - I enjoy the job aspect much more than the university degree part however both are still great. I am happy to be working for a top employer, and have the opportunity to work on amazing projects and make true friends with my co-workers. It exceeded my expectations and has really allowed me to improve my confidence as I have grown from being a fairly shy girl to become confident and involved!

Thames Water is very well structed, I received a really great induction and lots of useful training to allow me to settle into the role and learn how to perform best for my job. I also received, and still do receive, lots of support from all team members and have regular constructive meetings about performance. However, unfortunately the university side of things is much less organised - it took months for us to register and be able to attend lectures, some modules are very unorganised and some modules you aren't even told about until the relevant assignments are due, and overall there is little support, however some staff members are really helpful and supportive and give great lectures/tutorials.

The support I receive from my employer is amazing from line manager support to company wide support. In our team there is lots of support and I could honestly go to any person in my team with any concerns or questions. My line manager, and his manager, are very supportive and often hold constructive meetings with me to discuss my performance and how I can improve my personal development further to get the best out of the apprenticeship! There is always IT support, mental health first aiders (as well as normal first aiders), and Thames Water truly cares about your health, safety and wellbeing!

In terms of achieving the degree, the lecturers are very helpful and supportive if you ever have questions about the theory work or coursework etc. and they normally respond pretty quickly too. In terms of achieving the apprenticeship, University of Greenwich are fairly helpful with supporting us to achieve and find evidence for competencies, however their attitude is very poor if we do find that we're struggling with something and it comes across as if they think its our fault that we can't do it...

I do believe what I learn through my qualification is useful however it isn't necessarily relevant to my day-to-day role. I am able to apply some theory concepts e.g. pH, reaction mechanisms to some of my research projects, however this is rare. I think I have learnt more about my job role and industry from my own learning and through job induction/training than from my qualification.

Pre-Covid I believe they used to run a netball club however I started my apprenticeship after the season started and hence couldn't join, and then covid struck however hopefully that will start back up now. I run exercise/fitness sessions at work for people to do something a bit active during their day. There are also connect sessions and tea breaks to have a break and just chat with colleagues. We used to occasionally go out for drinks as a team, and had a Christmas Do however lots of this hasn't happened lately because of coronavirus, however I have been able to make valuable friends who I regularly go out with!

Yes

I had my doubts when first taking the job because the company was going through a reorganisation and my job potentially wasn't as secure as some of the other apprenticeships I had been offered, however my gut was telling me this was the best one for me, and I could really visualise myself here. I think Thames Water is a really incredible place to work because they are so supportive and caring - they really help to improve your personal development and encourage you to go out and try new things and learn. They are also supportive when it comes to your mental health, well being and physical health! The job environment is fun and there are so many opportunities to meet new people and make so many friends. The work is so exciting and there is so much variety in what you are able to do that you will never be bored, and most days are different!

My main advice would be to research Thames Water before your interviews and assessment days, because they will ask you questions e.g. about the executive team, and articles in the news, etc. However it's also really useful to know about the company before you apply to ensure that Thames Water is the right company for you. I would also say, if you are successful and make it to an interview or assessment day, stay calm and act confident because if you believe that you can achieve and get the job, that is the best thing for you to do because it will give the interviewer assurance in your attitude and answers.