Chemist Review

Attending daily production meetings to learn of issues, supporting the production plant by carrying out small scale polymerisations in the lab to solve issues. also carry out lab work to look at alternative raw materials and suppliers to bring the cost of manufacture down. also involved in the trial of new products

over the last 4 years i have definitely developed new skills. i have gained a lot more confidence when it comes to giving presentations and speaking to new people. I have also developed my lab skills over the last 4 years, as coming into the apprenticeship i had very little knowledge of a lab

I have really enjoyed my programme as i have developed many skills thay i will use for the rest of my life. i have also met loads of people who have been really supportive through out my apprenticeship and who i know i could ask for help from if i needed it.

the overall structure of the programme has been really good and from the start it has been made clear the steps I will have to take to complete the apprenticeship. I have had experience working in different departments and with different people which has further helped develop my career skills.

I have received lots of support from my employer, and lots of different people. There has been the apprenticeship manager who has help outline the end point assessment and the path to it. I have also received lots of support from my line manager and my mentor whenever i have had a question or problem in the workplace

I have received lots of support from the training provider throughout the apprenticeship. There has been each of the unit leaders who have been able to provide support for each unit that i have been taught. I have also received support from the skills coach for the unit, who i have had triannual reviews with to make sure i am okay

The content of the qualification has helped me a lot at work as most of what i am learning is relevant to the workplace. For example, my job is mostly polymer chemistry, and so the organic chemistry units as well as physical chemistry has been a massive help in understanding the process.

There is something called the Sports & Social club which run events a couple times a month and offer activities for a cheaper price. This can include things such as theatre tickets, or ice skating trips, which allow you to socialise and mingle with colleagues who you might not know otherwise.

Yes

They have been really supportive over the last 4 years and have helped me develop all of my professional skills that I have today. They offer a competitive salary that is well above the national apprenticeship wage. They have also said that there is no obligation to stay after the apprenticeship if I decide I want to work somewhere else.

if you are interested in a career in chemistry there are lots of options for apprenticeship at Solenis. They can offer apprenticeships such as lab scientists, plant operators, engineers etc. Go into it with an open mind and be prepared to learn a lot. There are lots of people with lots of knowledge who are more than happy to pass it on.