Rating

9.1/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • As an apprentice in Analytical Research & Development (ARD), my current day-to-day work involves planning and execution of experiments in which Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) are analysed via a number of different tests utiling various techniques. However, this only encompasses one part of my experimence in ARD, as there are many opportunities to take up different job roles and gain experience in an extensive range of techniques. In testing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, spectroscopic technqiues like Liquid, Gas and Ion Chromatography are used alongside a number of other various techniques to ensure the safety of API before releasing to clinical trials. In other areas I have experienced such as Method Development, Chromatographic equipment fitted with Mass Spectrometers are often used to develop new chromatographic methods for use by analysts, alongside automated equipment and software to develop predictive chromatography software in hopes of revolutionising chromatography.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • The most fulfilling part of the apprenticeship is developing my skillset, there is a standard of training to ensure that all training is of high quality, and that an apprentice is capable of carrying out newly learned techniques independently. Examples of training oppurtunities range from First Aid and Self-Improvement (Public speaking, mentoring) to highly technical courses (Theory of chromatography, Use and Maintenance of instruments). One of the most valuable courses I have undetaken is the Outward Bound Experience, in which a group of apprentices was taken to the Lake District to undergo some intense team building in mountaineering, orienteering and teamwork exercises.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • Colleagues at Pfizer are supportive, hospitable and push for your own development. Team cultures will differ between departments, however there is a great company culture of equal respect and support - and all the experiences I have had with different teams have thus far been very positive.

    9/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Pfizer?
  • Apprentices are greatly involved at Pfizer, I was trained as soon as possible (without being too intensive) and development began quickly to get me straight in to the lab. It seems as if apprentices are deemed valuable assets, as many of the apprentices taken in on the Level 3 go on to do the higher apprenticeship (Level 4/5) such as myself, which is a large investment towards our development. Appreciation from managers and recognition will vary dependant on who manages you and your closeness to them, otherwise recognition from various apprentice awards and societies (e.g. Royal Society of Chemistry) is readily attainable.

    8/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The Induction process is standardised for all apprentices and ensures that everyone is up to scratch in basic lab safety, the training and support available is organised through an internal online system - where trainers work full time to design new courses and roll them out to colleagues. We have an allocation of 80% work time, 20% study time which is flexible to the apprentice's needs - I take a full study day every Friday to ensure my Uni coursework is up to date, managers and colleagues are very supportive towards studying and will accomodate to ensure studying goes smoothly.

    10/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • The training provider (Cogent) works behind the scenes to ensure the apprenticeship is working well, with the host company (Pfizer) handling any day to day management. Cogent have always been able to provide support when needed and our employer regularly schedules meetings and general open discussions on site to talk about our progression and any issues we may have.

    8/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • As previously mentioned, all colleagues are very supportive and approachable, support is readily available by talking to people and organising mentoring or private meetings if needed. Higher management are very approachable too, and have great involvement with apprentices and undergraduates within their departments - despite seeming rather intimidating, these guys are very approachable and wholly supportive.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • Considering that our study is paid for, on top of a well paying salary, the apprenticeship package is accommodative to my costs, I am renting a flat in Ramsgate located near the Pfizer site in Sandwich which isn't too costly, the site is easily accessible by public transport and by car so travel costs are low. In terms of daily and social costs, these are also rather low with many stores and pubs in the surrounding area being rather cheap.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • Pfizer host numerous company events and there are plenty of oppurtunities with the "STEM" group to support science in the local area and provide outreach for the apprenticeship program to help promote this oppurtunity to those nearby, example of some of the voluntary activities I have been involved with include attending careers fairs, painting, gardening and a 'science jamboree' in which various fun activites are planned and demonstrated to local schools. The local area is okay, a mixture of rural and urban areas with a number of gyms, clubs and societies available to join.

    8/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Pfizer to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • An apprenticeship at Pfizer is a great oppurtunity to develop a scientific skillset as well as improve yourself, with many mentoring oppurtunities available to help with things like public speaking, professionalism and any personal issues. My experience so far has been rich in new learnings and valuable experiences which have proved useful to me.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pfizer?
  • In application, be honest and show your passion for science. In interviews, be open and don't be shameful if you are unable to answer a question - the interviewees are only trying to gauge your current knowledge so they can support and accommodate your development. One of the most important things is to be curious and ask questions, the worst thing to do at an interview is to nod along and not ask questions as this can have an impression that you don't care about the interview, even though you may.


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Science

South East

May 2018


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