Apprentice Scientist Review

I analyse and treat water from around the north west. Depending on what I'm looking for, my job ranges from filtration to reading a spectrogram to get both qualitative and quantatative results. For example, I'm currently using titration to measure the amount of anionic material in wastewater samples.

I have learn a variety of scientific and analysis methods since starting this role. I was first introduced to LIMS, including TAPS and Nautilus which allow the lab to keep track of every sample through to completion. Once I was used to that, I learnt how to run instruments such as Skalars, LCMS and Hach Tech Robots.

I thouroughly enjoy the lab part of it - working in a lab was the career path I wanted and I'm happy I could get into it so early. I'm not too fond of the university course since I'm not much of an academic, but that's only 20% of the role so I'm still overall very pleased.

United Utilities has put a lot of work into the organisation of the apprentices. The Labs are split up into 4 different sections. In our first year, we spend 3 months in each, allowing us to see every part of the building. Our second and third years are spent doing longer periods of time in more specialist areas within the labs, before being placed in one.

We have scheduled one to ones with both our line manager and an appointed mentor every couple of months, and we are always told we can come to them with any issues we have. The company also offers fairly generous benefits, especially the pension. There is also a free work shuttle which was great support for me during my first year since I had limited transport.

As previously stated, I'm not too fond of the university side of the course. Manchester Metropolitan has incredibly talented lecturers, however they tend to be more focused on the full time students. This makes it so emails take longer to get replies on, coursework takes longer to mark etc. I haven't felt like I've received full support, but the work is manageable.

In my current role of Analyst, I don't put much chemistry theory to use, although it can be helpful in understanding the method. However, in the future if I were to apply for jobs in the technical department, I would need a full chemistry degree and much of the knowledge that comes with it, so I'm glad I'm getting the degree now.

I joined in September 2020, so there hasn't been much chance for social activities for obvious reasons. However, it's starting to build back up again and the company is really pushing for team building, and is even providing funding for it, so it's looking exciting for the future.

Yes

It's a very friendly and inclusive place to work, with several different departments. The business park I work at is very nicely maintained and makes going to work feel much more welcoming, and I enjoy the work I do in the labs. I've never had a problem with anything while working there.

In a meeting with the head of recruitment, she told us that their interviews judge only ~30% on skills and knowledge, and ~70% on personality. In an interview with UU it's the most important thing to come across confident, friendly, and to show that you actually want to work there, as well as demonstrating that you have the skill to.