Technician (Biology) Review

I run experimental work on behalf of clients at Charles River to test noval drugs in cellular systems. This involves planning lab based activities followed by it execution and data analysis, followed by creation of slides that summarize this data. The data produced is used to help progress the client projects.

Throughout the apprenticeship, I have gained confidence and skills in presenting to audiences on the projects I have been involved in over the last couple of years. I have also learnt many useful skills for day to day business skills such as using email communication and self-organisation.

I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship program overall, its had some great opportunities to work across a number of fields and work with some really great people who are experts in their field. Most of the modules provided with Kent are able to relate to some practical examples within the workplace.

The organisation of the apprenticeship has improved and grown in size over the last couple of years. During the apprenticeship you are rotated across department on a yearly basis and for the top-up degree you may select a department to stay in over the two year extension of the apprenticeship program. We have HR and mentors that are routinely involved in the apprenticeship programme.

Support has been provided from both my mentor and line manager in whatever department I have been posted in. You are also surrounded by colleagues that are highly experienced and knowledgeable and will be able to point you in the right direction. Your are also pushed to develop your own carrier and drive towards your own development goals.

The programme from Kent is distance based learning and is a very different experience when compared to campus based courses. It is all delivered through the E-learning platform Moodle delivering base content that covers the topic, however self directed learning will be required to succeed in module assignments. The Academics are responsive and will actively help address and question you may have.

Most of the modules will have aspects that you will be able to link with your activities in the workplace. Some modules will be more inline with your role and some will most definitely not be related to your business area but are just as interesting. I think it's hard to expect every module to align 100% with your job when you consider the number and diversity of company's using this programme provided by Kent.

Opportunities such as professional conferencing on scientific research will be available for you to attend if you wish to. We have social activities across the year ranging form site wide events during the summer for celebrating special events and more locally arranged meetings outside of work with colleagues in your department.

Yes

I think a apprenticeship is great alternative route to a carrier in a biological or chemical sciences. The most attractive part of the programme is gaining real word experience working in a professional environment and gaining practical skills in laboratory based work. At the same time you can study part time for a full degree and incur no university fees and earn a wage all while your study.

Be yourself and make sure you are prepared to balance study and work a part time job. The programme is great but you will only get the most out of it if you are willing to give it your all, to this end it's great to display your passion of your work be it in or outside your education system.