Science Technician Review

In my current role I work as a part of the purification team. I am expected to purify samples that have been made by chemists, to the purity that the chemist requires. I function as part of the team by separating compound samples, interacting with internal clients and keeping up with the daily requirements of the lab environment (e.g. filling up solvents, taking out waste and making sure labs are stocked with supplies).

I have learnt many new skills, such as, time management, record keeping, presenting skills, organizational skills and resilience to stressful situations. Furthermore, I have learnt many scientific techniques e.g. carrying out validation of instrumentation, precision measuring and planning and carrying out projects for the optimization of instrumentation in the labs.

I have found the week summer camps at Canterbury, University of Kent useful and very enjoyable. I have enjoyed the subject matter, however, I feel it could be improved with videos from professors teaching classes or more thorough explanations of the subject matter on the material that essays are meant to be written on.

My program has been structured to sit three exam sittings each year, and to complete essays and other tasks in between each exam module. You will complete 4 modules in a year and sit an exam for each module. There is a lot of enthusiastic help from others who volunteer their time within the company to help by improve the apprenticeship experience, as well as aiding with scientific queries.

I receive help with any difficulties I face when communicating with the university. I have been allocated a mentor to help me raise any issue around the apprenticeship or to ask for advice on the best course of action on topics I don't understand. Further support in the form of journal clubs are also provided where students will discuss recent papers in journal articles.

The tutors are very responsive and answer all question that are put to them. They are also happy to book in meetings to discuss the subject matter and any questions you have. The university supervisor will book meetings with you every 8 months to make sure you are on track.

The qualification of a bioscience Level 6 degree covers a broad range of subject matter. Such as, many different ways of treating different diseases, both established treatments and many novel drugs that are in development. Other subject matter includes the stages of research from early drug development to clinical trials.

There are journal clubs that help with completing assignments for the degree qualification, these are held every month. There are also bi-monthly meetings to improve specific skills e.g. interpersonal communication skills, statistical skills and presenting skills. There is also a golf course on site that can be used by members of the company.

Yes

I think the apprenticeship course is always improving in different ways to provide an interesting and supportive course that will help guide you through your early discovery career. There is good support from management e.g. a mentor to help answer questions in the lab and train you, as well as helping with academic questions you have on your university work.

The first piece of advice I would give is to be prepared at the interview stage, make sure if you are asked to give a presentation that you are well prepared. Research the company and the courses they offer to apply for the best one for you. Understand the requirements for applying and arrive on time.