StepIn2 Formulation Apprentice Review

My job title, Formulation apprentice, I work in Boots Pharmaceuticals Healthcare. My daily tasks include creating documentation involving Boots own products where I upload them onto a secured computer based system for Boots. I test samples of Boots own products which are on stability testing along with being involved in numerous projects regarding other various Boots products in Healthcare. Also, my role requires me to be hands on in the laboratories where I have independently manufactured specific Boots own products for testing. I am constantly communicating directly with my team in Boots Pharmaceuticals Healthcare to extend my knowledge of the work that I am conducting and to provide assistance if needed. As well as communicating internally I spend a lot of time communicating with the extended Boots Formulation team and packaging. I have been involved in large project but this is confidential information that I cannot disclose.

I personally feel that I have developed in my approach to others and the way in which I present myself to those around me. I have received numerous training at Boots whilst on my apprenticeship so far, such as the use of scientific equipment, correct Health and Safety, chemical substances and the use of the scientific computer system. Alternatively to the compulsory training that I have received I have also been trained by my team on procedures that are conducted regularly in Boots Pharmaceuticals providing me with a greater understanding and involvement. On my release day to college I attend Central College Nottingham once a week where I complete the theoretical and specifically assessed practical’s for my Level 3 Applied Science Qualification for Lab Technicians. and a Level 3 NVQ where I get assessed in the working environment. I have developed as a person in both my academic approach and in my overall confidence.

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme as a StepIn2 Science apprentice with Boots. Everyone that I have met at Boots has been incredibly welcoming and my team regard me as no different to the rest of their colleagues in Boots. I enjoy being in the working environment as I have my own responsibilities and I am constantly gaining new experiences whilst challenging myself on a daily basis to meet my own and teams expectations. The work that I am involved in and conduct I find incredibly interesting where the whole program has far exceeded my expectations. After completing my AS studies at sixth form I became a Boots Science Apprentice because the subjects that I was studying at AS Level I thoroughly enjoyed, but I wanted to see my learning actively being applied, which is what this programme offered. I am hoping to achieve a permanent career in science and formulation development by the end of my two year programme. I applied for this apprenticeship because I have a real interest in science in making new innovative medicines and products. I wanted to know and understand how products end up on the market and the necessary steps the formulations go through. If I had stayed in sixth form I wouldn’t of been given the amount of responsibility that I have at Boots, and I personally feel that being in the workplace and working with such a variety of people has not only boosted my confidence but also in my approach to others. I would not get this experience by still being situated in the school environment. For example every employee gets the chance to help out the Boots stores at Christmas which I was also a part of.

I feel incredibly valued by Boots and especially by my team. When attending the event evening for this apprenticeship I instantly felt welcome and that Boots really wanted to develop the innovative formulators of the future. My Line Manager has already thanked me multiple times for my help and for supporting other colleges when she was off ill as I knew the products well. The apprenticeship team have also done reviews on how I am getting on where I have received nothing but positive feedback and appreciation of the efforts that I have put in. I was invited to the department’s Christmas team meal and various other meals for birthdays and to have get together which really makes me feel welcome. Whenever new projects have arisen my team have involved me heavily and given me the chance to come along to meetings to understand the wider process.

My apprenticeship program is very well organised for example on the StepIn2 Science Apprenticeship I have started my journey in the Healthcare Formulation team situated in D19 where, in 6 months’ time I will rotate to Claims, Cosmetics and then packaging. The concept behind the rotations allows for all aspects of the formulation process to be seen, from creating the formulations in the lab, putting them on stability and packing for user trials, seeing how user trails are conducted and the biology testing, creating packaging so that it doesn’t react with the product but still fulfils the required purpose and finally when products are put on the shelves. I will be able to be involved in the processes products go through in order to be put on the market for customer consumption. Also, lines of communication are clear where my Line Manager and representative at college stay in touch to monitor my progress. I have regular meetings with my Line Manager and quarterly reviews where I can raise any concerns, talk about my academic progress or just talk about how I am getting on.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider as they want to support my learning. If problems have arisen then they have been sorted and recognised. I enjoy all aspects of my apprenticeship and all aspects of the work.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and they always have my best interest at heart. I feel that I have a good relationship with my Line Manager and others who are overseeing my apprenticeship. I feel that I can ask for help if I am struggling with any aspects of the work and that I will receive the necessary support that I require. Boots have supported me throughput the entire journey of my apprenticeship so far, including in the initial application stage.

My salary meets my cost incredibly well; my apprenticeship wage is amazing especially for my age. I have the ability to earn while I learn which also gives me independence in my social life, daily costs of necessities and extras and my travel. With my apprenticeship wage I have paid for a holiday because I now have the opportunity to do so. The location is Beeston and so is not too far for me travel but there are buses that go directly onto site.

Boots is constantly holding company events such as Christmas meals and parties, bonfire night, and charity days. Also, as I am a Boots apprentice we have regular catch-up’s where we go for meals with the others on my program and those on the higher apprenticeships. Boots is closely linked with children in need and McMillan and so there are numerous opportunities to partake in volunteering events and days both inside and outside of work. There is also an onsite gym which is accessible to all Boots employees further adding to the company’s facilities.

Yes

This programme is a fantastic opportunity to excel your career, qualifications and experience within the Science Industry but also the work place. This is a demanding programme where I have found organisation to be a key factor alongside time management with assignments, working and arranging on the job training. However, I would strongly recommend this apprenticeship to anyone as I am thoroughly enjoying my time as being a Boots UK Formulation Apprentice.

Be yourself, if you are genuinely enthusiastic about wanting to do this apprenticeship then that will shine through most of all to Boots. In the application process giving more detailed answers where possible is also a good sign and this allows you to really express yourself and make a impact before the assessors meet you. The application stage is the very first step and so displaying yourself well will only help you further down the process. In the interview give eye contact, relax and be yourself. I personally found the interview stage much more relaxed then I had initially anticipated and you are welcomed from the moment that you arrive on the assessment day. The on boarding process was a nice way to meet the others who also got accepted, and the first two days really let you settle into being at Boots and the types of people that you will be working with.