Apprentice Lab Scientist Review

Routine culture of cells to use in experiments, day-to-day it varies extensively but in a typical week I would isolate PBMCs for use in a variety of experiments, using supernatants I would perform a cytokine-based ELISA (TNFa and GM-CSF), stain cells for FACS experiments. Superuser responsibilities in the labs- ensure areas are clean and maintained well. Regular catch ups with supervisor to ensure experiments are going to plan, or to ask for advice with specific experimental ideas.

I am constantly learning new skills from my colleagues and peers. In addition, the skills I have already developed are being pushed further to continue my learnings and ability in the lab.

I enjoy the work that I do, my team is lovely and my line manager is very patient and understanding. The culture at the company is not ideal at the moment, there are too many pressures and too many expectations without the proper support or staff in place.

It's flexible to how we want to work which is great. In terms of the apprenticeship programme there isn't much support outside of my immediate team, which I personally don't mind because my team is very supportive and helpful.

My Manager gives me lots of support, there is also the opportunity for further support should you need it, you just have to reach out to a mentor. There are also development opportunities with senior members of staff which I have found to be beneficial.

Kent are useless, they do not help at all, the modules are vague and the guidance is minimal.

I feel about 20% of my qualification is relevant to my role however it has been interesting to learn about different areas of science.

We have ERGs open for young professionals and a committee working solely for Apprentices. We have regular networking events and working on getting more social events post-covid.

Yes

It's a nice place to work, the support from peers and colleagues is great. The culture at the moment needs work but I am hopeful that we will be listened to.

Just be yourself, show your will to learn and passion for the science. It's preferable to have shown initiative when it comes to work experience or volunteering opportunities.