Chemical analyst Review

I am mainly involved in analytical lab work at our central laboratories. This involves analysing samples for customers or waste for disposal through a variety of techniques including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, total alpha, total beta, pH, liquid scintillation counting and gamma spectrometry. I am also involved in direct customer projects where we are tasked with a job from a customer and I work closely with the technical lead and my superiors to develop and validate a technique to complete the task, then I will analyse the customer samples using this validated technique.

My apprenticeship framework includes a number of qualifications which I must complete. These have included; PLTS (Personal Learning and Thinking Skills), Employee Rights and Responsibilities, a level 3 NVQ in laboratory skills and associated techniques and a HNC and HND in applied chemistry. As well as this, working with experienced and highly qualified chemists on a day-to-day basis allows me to develop my existing knowledge. Working for customers to develop new techniques etc. is also a good opportunity to conduct research into a completely new and often niche area of chemistry that I have no prior understanding of.

I work in a safe and controlled environment with a very supportive team. I enjoy the work that I do on a daily basis, and am often busy working collaboratively or in the lab. I am often invited to events outside of work by my team or the Royal Soceity of Chemistry, and have felt very welcomed. The NNL apprenticeship programme has also featured a number of development modules which as well as helping us to develop our skills, has also been very enjoyable and a good opportunity to get to know fellow apprentices who I do not work closely with. NNL is also very supportive of STEM events, such as organising work experience, school talks or short courses collaborating with companies such as the Smallpiece Trust. I have enjoyed the opportunity to take part in these STEM events, which I find very rewarding.

I have had set goals to complete throughout my apprenticeship, and an online tracker that has made it easy to stay on top of my progress. As well as this, regular meetings with my training provider have helped me to stay optimistic and focused about my progress. I do however feel that more qualifications or training could be added into the three year program, or it could be reduced to a two year program.

I have a good working relationship with my manager and my team members, so am comfortable to ask for advice, or query anything I am unsure about. I have always felt listened to and supported by the apprenticeship coordinators at NNL and my training provider, and have been pleased with the help that they have given me when I have had problems in the past.

I receive regular support from my training provider. I have had a minimum of one meeting every quarter to discuss my apprenticeship, and another meeting every quarter to discuss my level 3 NVQ. These have helped me to stay focused and maintain achievable targets. During my first week I was involved in an induction process with my training provider. This week allowed me the time and support to complete two of the four qualifications outlined in my apprenticeship framework - the PLTS and the ERR qualifications.

The organisation of my apprenticeship has meant that I do not need a lot of contact from my training provider, as NNL provides most of the training themselves. However, Gen2 (Training provider) has helped me to complete the PLTS and the ERR qualifications, as NNL do not have assessors for these particular qualifications. Gen2 has also given me the opportunity to complete functional skills in IT, as the level 2 distinction I obtained at GCSE was not with a suitable exam board for my apprenticeship framework. The analytical modules in my college course, particularly the HND, have somewhwat helped me in my job role - however I think the HND/HND have been more beneficial at broadening and strengthening my knowledge of basic chemistry. Following my apprenticeship I hope to complete a BSc in chemistry. This course has a dedicated analytical module so I think this will be more beneficial in helping me to perform better in my role.

Yes. The Royal Soceity of Chemistry West Cumbria branch often hosts events in the local area, such as pub quizzes, talks, and other events (i.e. a brewery tour) which I have taken part in. These have helped me strengthen professional networks and have been very enjoyable. NNL's apprentice module also has a two day outward bound course which gave me the opportunity to take part in a lot of activities that I wouldn't ordinarily have the opportunity to do.

Yes

During my apprenticeship with NNLI have had the opportunity to develop a variety of transferrable skills and my knowledge of chemistry, all whilst gaining three years of experience which will give me an edge over my friends who have been studying at university. I have felt very welcomed in my introduction to the industry, and have felt supported by the apprenticeship coordinators and by members of my team. I enjoy what I do on a day-to-day basis, and have had the opportunity to take part in research work, alongside experienced colleagues, into areas of chemistry that I have never studied before. I have been able to develop skills and knowledge which will help me to progress in my career with NNL, and would be valued by many different industries and companies throughout the UK.

I would advise anybody that is looking to complete an apprenticeship to apply to as many different schemes as possible, but to strongly consider NNL due to the opportunities for development and a future career that their program offers. I would advise new apprentices to be open to as many different opportunities as possible; try to gain experience in as many different teams/business areas as possible, and involve yourself with different experiences that the company offers, such as STEM events. If, a new apprentice found themselves struggling or not enjoying a particular aspect of their apprenticeship, I would advise them, as I did, to make this known to their apprentice coordinator.