Degree Apprentice Scientist Review

I am a degree apprentice scientist in the host strain development team in CPI's Biotechnology business unit. I am responsible for daily lab checks in a set of labs, and mainly supporting the analytical, molecular and microbiology team as well as independent project work. I am always being trained in new useful skills.

Yes I have learned many new skills from the use of pipettes to Microbial safety cabinets. I am now the expert on a piece of machinery used to analyse sugars and other ions called the CEDEX. I have been involved in GC-MS and Fatty Acid Methyl ester analysis as well as developing skills in gas fermentation and cell banking.

I am enjoying my programme very much due to the varied nature of the projects i can take on at work. The university side of my programme helps me understand the theory behind the practical work I am undertaking in the lab. Altogether I am enjoying the blend of working and learning.

My Programme is Fairly well organised. Most of the time the Lectures and webinars for my university work are communicated very early in the term and gives us plenty of time top plan around them. My structure at work is to take one day a week to focus on my university studies. this works well.

I recieve a lot of support form my employer as mentioned I take a day away from my work responsibilities to focus on uni studie. This is understood by my line manager and they are happy to let me work from home to ensure i can fully focus on my uni work.

I believe I am fairly well supported by Manchester met towards my qualifications. I am assigned a skills coach who measures me against the apprenticeship standard and ensures all of my needs are met. My skills coach is very helpful in ensuring i have the correct support to complete my qualifications.

I belive this helps me a lot as the bioscience degree pathway covers a lot in the first year which is directly relevant to my current job role in the Microbiology team and the molecular biology team. This is very helpful as it helps me understand the things I am doing at work on a day to day basis.

Yes the company organized a coffee and connect session where it is possible to take a break from work and grab a coffee and gives a chance to talk to others around the company. There are many professional networking events on offer over the course of the year through our HR and Connect teams.

Yes

CPI is an excellent company to work for due to the broad variety of work taken on. therefore you could end up doing something totally different to the last day and makes work fun and enjoyable. The work taken on is also incredibly interesting. All of the people are extremely friendly and the pay is competitive.

Be positive and make sure to do your research before applying or interviewing. There are many different CPI sites which all focus on different sectors of science so pick the one relevant to your skills and interests. Be prepared for brain teasers in interviews and try to be personable to your interviews as they will probably end up being your boss.