Process Research and Development Apprentice Review

Carry out experiments in the laboratory on various scales, work them up and sample for analysis. Perform analysis on some samples, and report findings back to my supervisor. Maintain a tidy and safe space in the laboratory, abiding by 5S cleaning mentality and allowing for myself and my colleagues to work in a safe environment.

I have learnt many skills, mainly how to approach different type of reactions on different scales, and how to accordingly set up the glassware. I have learnt analytical techniques, and how to critically interpret data. I have learnt how to scientifically write reports and present my findings to other members of the scientific community.

I enjoy my apprenticeship programme, I enjoy being in my workplace and I enjoy my time with the people in my site. My job is definitely interesting and usually has very different weeks in terms of what my workload consists of. I am happy with the choice I made of doing a degree apprenticeship.

The academic side of the apprenticeship has mostly been structured well, there are hiccups on occasion which could have been better organised, but the work given to us is usually explained very well and our weekly tasks are set out clearly. My workplace structure has been vastly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as with every other company, but has become much more structured since then.

Throughout my apprenticeship, I have continually received support from my employer. I have had a fair bit of change in management throughout my time at work, but this has not been a detriment to me at all. I have no issues regarding the level of support I have received at work.

My training provider has given me plenty of additional support to build on my academic and professional skills, and has provided plenty of support on academic issues when I have had some. Professors are typically quick to respond to emails and are helpful. Other professors outside of my programme are also occasionally brought into the programme temporarily to help us on studies which is helpful.

The chemistry field is very competitive and has high expectations for qualifications required by employees. Having a degree by the end of my apprenticeship will provide me with an extra qualification on top of my four years of experience to make me much more appealing to future employers when looking for new jobs.

A few people in my workplace (including myself) have a small group which routinely go rock climbing, and have been doing so for about a year and a half now. There also used to be a small group who played football, but that has since been disbanded as COVID-19 brought that to an abrupt end and some of the colleagues have since left work.

Yes

My workplace has treated me well throughout my time working here, and have given me many opportunities to develop where other companies may not. I have obtained a wide range of skills here which will help me progress through my career well. The community at my workplace is also very friendly.

Be prepared to work hard in the apprenticeship, as it is not easy. You need to be well disciplined and have the time efficiency to keep up to speed with a fast moving environment. Be prepared to work with a team daily and have good communication skills to prevent misinformation being spread.