Laboratory Technician Review

I trained as a Laboratory Technician in the quality department, my daily tasks and responsibilities include testing raw materials, material at different stages of production and the finished product ensuring various quality and environmental standards.

Initially through my apprenticeship I developed the skills to carry out my day to day job as well as a Level 3 applied science course. After finishing my apprenticeship and becoming a full time lab technician i have been able to gain further qualifications to enable me to further my career such as; Level 3 Leadership and Management, Train the Trainer, IOSH Managing Safely.

I really enjoyed my apprenticeship as a learning experience but also being able to work as part of a great team and be part of a company where i feel i have job security and the potential to progress in the future.

I think in my role i am appreciated, we are involved in a lot of different areas of the production process and our work allows others to be able to continue theirs. I have been part of a six sigma project and potentially more in the future. Also i have been fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to travel abroad and visit another facility and work with colleagues from across our Europe wide group.

We had a whole week of inductions when i started which gave a good insight into the culture and atmosphere of the company as well as a full overview of the entire production process of the plant. I was always allowed time in work to complete any of my work from day release from college and any other support i needed. We have a good structure of appraisals yearly but also after 6 months of starting which as far as i am concerned this has been a useful constructive experience.

My experience with Newcastle College on my day release course was far from ideal, it was obviously difficult for us only being there once a week however we were mixed with a class and not really given much support considering the small amount of time we were there. It was also often forgotten that the small number of us also worked full time when we were not there, even though i was given time to do work some deadlines were not very practical. My NVQ work based assessor however was very supportive and accommodating as far as timing of monthly visits.

My manager very much has an open door policy and since day one if i have any question or issue i have no hesitation to ask and without fail i have been helped every time. They have also allowed me the opportunity to progress as soon as i made it clear i would like to do so and has supported me completely. The employer in general is great they are totally behind the progression and personal development of their employees.

I have no complaints about my salary, it progressed through my apprenticeship up until i became full time. It allowed me to learn to drive which allowed me to commute to work independently and be able to work the full shift pattern when i was full time.

The company is very involved with the community, the have a great running programme which covers the costs for events and supplements any sponsorship. They have various voluntary initiatives with the local community and advertise these on the internal network. At various anniversaries either the whole company or locally they have put on fully catered events which have always been brilliant.

Yes

Good salary, job security, a good pension scheme and in my experience good management. Also the chance for personal development and progression within the company

Hardworking and willing to learn and progress and be able to work and communicate well as part of a specific team but also site, country and group wide.