Laboratory Technician Review

My day to day work involves learning how to and carryout complex testing of asthma inhalers. My work includes learning how to use advanced technology such as HPLC’s, Gas chromatography and many more systems. I am required to provide hands on practical and technical input into formulation activities, supporting the manufacture of lab, pilot and full scale batches, product testing, data generation and the analysis, interpretation and positioning of product performance data for use in technical reports.

I have learnt several new skills at work. For example I have leant how to use advanced analytic instruments, how to write up my findings to produce a report, the importance of Good Laboratory Practice (GMP) as well as leaning about the processes of how to develop new inhalation drugs. My apprenticeship has also enhanced my scientific theory knowledge.

I enjoy my apprenticeship because I like to continuously learn new skills and enhance my scientific knowledge. Everyone in the analytic research and development department is friendly and easy to work with.

I feel like the workload I contribute to the team is valued, especially to meet deadlines. Everyone in the team treats each other with respect and is willing to help each other out.

The work side of the apprenticeship is organised with my assessor coming in to visit me at work regularly to catch up with the NVQ side of the qualification. However the BTEC Applied science course seems to be taught at a slow pace at times and often the college is unorganised.

If I require support I can contact my assessor via email who usually replies in a reasonable time. I am also able to contact other teachers at the college who will provide me with help and guidance.

At work, if I require any additional support, help or advice there is always someone available who is happy to work though things and help me with my work.

I think that the salary we receive is a fair wage in comparison to other similar apprenticeships. The only expense which our employer does not provide payment for is our college parking permit.

Outside of work there are often social gatherings and activities which each member of the team in the department is invited to attend if they wish to do so.

Yes

I would recommend 3M because I personally enjoy my apprenticeship as I feel that I am getting valuable work experience which will help me in the future. Everyone in the team I work in is friendly which makes 3M an enjoyable place to work.

For those applying to work at 3M I would advice them to be a team player as it is important to help each other out whenever possible in order to get jobs done efficiently. I would also recommend they are hard working and willing to lean lots of new skills.