Clinical Trial Specialist Apprentice Review

My job role involves working on two studies (both a Medimunne and a AstraZeneca study), taking minutes for meetings and shadowing project leaders. From doing this, I have been able to take on my own tasks for the studies. I have also been working on TMF and eTMF for filing the studies important documents.

I have learnt many new skills, such as how to present myself in a workplace; presentation skills; new IT skills such as how to use powerpoint and onenote; public speaking and learnt a lot more about how clinical trials work. From a degree perspective, I have learnt a lot of biology, as this was all new to me. I have also learnt how to structure an assignment and how to Harvard reference. The existing skills I have developed are my listening skills; my customer service skills and my knowledge of medicine.

I really enjoy my programme, as it is exactly what I was looking for. I knew university was not for me, but still wanted to get my degree. I work best in a professional working environment, it has really maximised my skills and let me work to the best of my ability. My workplace associates and managers are so helpful and nice, and make my working life much more enjoyable.

My apprenticeship was the first of its type in this company, and it was quite well structured. Kent Uni were a bit behind in getting us all set up, but eventually they did sort out all our learning guides. We are still to receive a few of our learning guides (mainly the workplace one) and our tutors are quite hard to reach.

I meet with my employer weekly to discuss any problems i'm having, how my work is going, etc. I also meet with my mentors from each study once a week to discuss my work on the study. Thy are all very supportive and always willing to help with any questions I have.

Some of Kent's tutors are very hard to reach, or take a while to reply. This makes it quite hard to get any questions about the degree answered. We have a meeting with a apprenticeship provider from Kent every 3 months but she was 40 minutes late to my meeting and didn't take any notes, as she had to email me after to ask me to repeat what I had said in the meeting.

My degree in bioscience with clinical research applications will help me work better in my role, as I will better understand the scientific side of things, specifically in phase 1 of clinical trials. The clinical research applications apply directly to my job so this will further me in my understanding.

There are many social networking events, such as a TGIF every last Friday of the month where everyone gathers for food and drink. They also hold football club once a week which you can sign up for. The AMAZE scheme offers you discounted tickets for events such as football games, the cinema, etc.

Yes

They are a very good company who I greatly enjoy working for and plan on spending my career here. I can develop my skills, move around in different roles and manage different projects. They have a good benefit and bonus scheme, and offer degree level, and also other level apprenticeships.

To have an interest in biology and science before applying. They should also make sure they have the right skill set to work in the environment that they are applying for. Eg: a lab vs an office. They will have to prepare and research the company prior to the interview and make sure it is the right role for them.