Oncology Chemistry Apprentice Review

At the moment I purify samples with the separation sciences team, using high-performance liquid chromatography. These samples are compounds that chemists have synthesised. Later this year I will be moving into working in synthesis myself, so I will produce compounds that will be tested in cellular assay. One day a week, I have a study day with the University of Kent, so on this day I make notes and answer questions about a certain topic in chemistry

My knowledge of chemistry has greatly expanded, and I have learnt new techniques such as using high-performance liquid chromatography to separate crude mixtures of compounds. I have also learned how to run an NMR and assign the peaks, which allows me to see whether a certain structure is the desired compound.

I am thoroughly enjoying the programme. My colleagues are very helpful and welcoming, and I like that the working hours are quite flexible. I find the purification work that I do very interesting, and also learning more of the organic chemistry side too. It feels great to be part of something where I feel like I'm making a difference

It is very well organised, however sometimes there are very busy days. This means that some meetings/ less important tasks may have to be delayed, but will usually still get done. I feel as though having one day for study per week is very helpful, and the fact that this can be adjusted depending on deadlines/assignments is great.

I receive a lot of support, and if the workload is becoming a bit too much for me, I am not afraid to let my mentor know. I know I will be able to get the support I need when I need it. There is a lot of support regarding work/study balance, and so if there are deadlines coming up for university work, I can tell my mentor and I am confident I will get enough support.

There is a support system, and the apprenticeship advisors are very helpful and friendly. If I have a query about the study guide on my study day, I can email the module convenor and will get an answer usually within 2-3 days. Sometimes this takes a little bit longer, but I will almost always get an answer.

I think when I move into working in the synthetic side of chemistry full-time, the knowledge from my studying will play a bigger role, because at the moment my modules haven't really been related to analytical chemistry, which is what I work in now. It is still useful, but I can't really see a huge correlation between the modules I've been studying and my performance at work at the moment.

I have taken part in the National Apprenticeship Week pop-up stands event to raise awareness of what apprenticeships consist of, and it was great to see what other apprenticeships involve too. There are networking events that occur after department meetings, which are great to take part in because it's possible to see everyone who works in the same area as you and meet some new people.

Yes

I think it's a very welcoming and open place to work, and there is always support if you need it. The work is very interesting, and I never feel stressed or overwhelmed with the workload. It's great to be part of an organisation that care about the work they do and how they do it.

Apply for a role you know you will find interesting, and just be yourself on the interview day. There is flexibility too, so if there is one area of the work that you really enjoy, you can speak to your manager and see if that is something you can do more further into the apprenticeship.