Oncology Scientific Apprentice Review

My daily role can vary a lot based on workload and some days will involve a small amount of a variety of tasks or a lot of just one. These can include performing laboratory experiments (Immunohistochemistry/In-situ hybridisation/Immunofluorescence staining), scanning and organising the resulting slides and digital data, allowing us to analyse the images produced using AI image analysis algorithms to quantify our data.

I have learned a lot about very specific scientific techniques and how to most optimally perform them. I have also learned how to be more efficient with my time and prioritisation of more important tasks. Coming into a corporate environment from school meant I have become a lot better at using corporate software (excel/outlook etc.).

The Science we perform can be very interesting (and also very complex). The day-to day activities can also vary from being quite exciting and challenging to very mundane depending on workload and progress through a project. The university work can be a tough, however it is only 1 day per week so it is relatively manageable.

The program is organised pretty well. There is 4 days of work for the company and 1 day per week studying online. As the program has been running for a while there a lot of support in place both inside and outside of work. However the university work is quite generic and has little practical carry over to the workplace (so far at least, I am only 2/5ths through the program).

My employer has provided excellent support both on a personal and professional level. It has been easy to request time to sort out personal things (family issues/house moves) and there are regular check-ups with managers to assess progress and provide support. The company also has many financial perks such as reduced travel fare, benefit schemes and bonuses

The training provider (university of Kent) utilises an online style of learning using an "online textbook" equivalent and the lecturers can be reached via email. This provides adequate assistance when needed but it is often preferable to sort things out independently. There is one week per year doing practical activities at the University

It is difficult to judge so far as I have only just completed one out of 5 years of the qualification. So far there has not been much benefit as it is a general bioscience course covering a wide variety of topics and techniques, whereas our team carries out a very specific function.

Our team currently works in a relatively small and isolated office and so there is less on offer outside of work. I am aware of other teams having a football club. Our team and also the local apprentices occasionally go out for socials and on vary rare occasions is the chance to attend a large conference.

Yes

The culture of the company is brilliant and there is a really good set of values that guide the decisions and actions of leadership and management. The company is also very supportive and provides lots of extra benefits as a part of working there (including benefits, bonuses, discounted travel etc.)

Don't stress about technical knowledge, as part of being an apprentice a better quality is the ability to learn and be enthusiastic. Regarding the interview process, make sure you research the company values and times in which you have shown them as well as any other potential interview questions you can find. Note down vague answers and apply those themes to the specific questions when asked.