Higher Laboratory Scientist Review

Working in a Quality Control role, I perform analytical testing on drug products including stability determination in order to support storage condition and shelf life claims. I deliver on the job training in some techniques as well as assisting in the writing of the training documents we use. I collaborate with a number of other departments on a regular basis.

By training other colleagues and delivering a large number of presentations to a range of audiences (including colleagues, school students, teachers) I've developed my confidence and communication skills. I've been trained in the use of a number of analytical techniques including Karl Fischer, turbidity, FTIR and osmolality. I've also had the opportunity to lead Continuous Improvement projects.

I have the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of people. They're very supportive and always willing to help out when they have the time. I work on a variety of different projects which keeps me interested and motivated. Working in such a highly regulated department never seemed to appeal to me but I love my job!

The work side of the programme is very organised as we have important deadlines to meet. There isn't a clear plan for each apprentice (aside from Competencies) as we work in different departments with different opportunities. We also have a lot of input into the skills we develop and the work we get involved in.

I receive a huge amount of support from the people I work with. If one of us is struggling to meet a deadline then we can ask for help without judgement. If we want to learn to use a specific piece of equipment then there are people we can talk to and they do their best to make it happen.

We have regular review meetings with our contact at the university. Tutors are usually quick to respond to e-mails and we are able to arrange face to face meetings occasionally due to our proximity to the campus. We probably don't receive as much support as a full time student would but we have support from colleagues as well.

I haven't really had much of an opportunity to apply any learnings from my course to my job role. If anything it has been the other way around. However, it has helped me to prioritise my workload and to create some sort of balance between work and my university assignments and exams.

I work in a pretty social team. We usually have tea breaks together and occasionally organise meals out. We also have an apprentice network and I'm on the committee for that as part of the social team. We organise events such as meals out, lazer tag, mini golf. Apprentices across the site are invited and we have a lot of fun together.

Yes

We have a huge network of experienced apprentices so no one is ever on their own. Colleagues are great and the vast majority treat apprentices as equals. The work we do has real value and we get to see the impact it has on the company and on patients. There are a lot of opportunities available if you're willing to take them.

You don't need amazing grades to get an apprenticeship here. There's far more value in enthusiasm and being willing to learn. You'll gain so much experience that would never be available at university. There are apprenticeships available in a number of fields including business and IT, as well as science.