R&D Laboratory Apprentice Review

In my role in the labs, I carry out various projects. For example, I produce small scale experiments to replicate what happens on plant, to develop new products or look into how to improve existing products. I test samples that I produce in the lab. and will occasionally have to send these for external application testing as well.

Through training both in the workplace and at uni I have developed skills in process safety, fire awareness, including hands on fire extinguisher training. I have been trained in the analytical laboratory on site where I have learnt how to use various analytical equipment such as: HPLCs, GCs, headspace GC, ICs, and FTIR.

I enjoy my programme a lot. I receive a lot of support from the workplace and through reviews with uni, and as my degree is mainly through distance learning I enjoy the flexible nature of this. I enjoy working quite independently at work, and the variety of projects and problem solving means that it is always interesting.

The programme is very well structured. At the workplace we have a dedicated apprentice and intern programme coordinator, who knows all about the workplace aspects and requirements of the apprenticeship, such as the End Point Assessment. We have triannual reviews with uni and our mentors, and a dedicated study day every week.

At the workplace, our employer provides us with a dedicated apprentice and intern programme coordinator, who gives plenty of support such as regular 1 to 1s, and communicating with the training provider, as well as planning regular development days, usually structured towards helping to complete an aspect of our apprenticeship or university assignments.

We recieve lots of support from our training provider. For example we have 3 reviews a year with a skills coach, who talks to our mentor at work, and sets targets designed to move us forward with both the degree qualification and with the apprenticeship behaviours and skills. Although the degree is mainly through distance learning watching lecture capture, our tutors provide regular webinars and support materials to assist with our learning, plus we have residentials at uni where we can use the labs, complete coursework, and receive lectures in person.

I feel the qualification helps me to perform better in my role as the skills and behaviours, such as communication and teamwork, and writing skills, help in my day to day role at work, for example in meetings and report writing. The knowledge aspect of my qualification helps to back up the chemistry behind what I'm doing in the lab.

There is a sports and social club at work, where members can get discounted tickets to plays, days out, and experiences. They also hold group trips, for example every year a trip to york races is run, where people get on the coach at work and all travel down together.

Yes

would recommend Solenis to a friend as the people here are very friendly and supportive, plus there are lots of opportunities to progress within the company, both job wise, and qualification wise. They offer competitive salaries, plus fully support you throughout the apprenticeship, and try their best to place you in a permanent job role once completed.

I would say to apply to any of the apprenticeships which interest you, as once within solenis, they are perfectly happy for you to learn other roles further down the line, and can help by provide training for you, meaning you can develop a variety of skill sets while here to progress in your current role or move sideways to try out something else.