Apprentice Analytical Chemist Review

I perform chemical tests using a variety of laboratory equipment so that the drugs that we produce and send to clinical trial meet the legal requirements set by the FDA. I use instruments such as HPLC to gather results that quantify the impurities in the drug. Once I am done in the lab, I use software to generate my results and following a set of guidelines, I interpret them to assess if they pass or fail. I then have to record my data appropriately so that it can be reviewed.

I have learned how to use the instrumentation that we have in the lab and the chemistry of the tests it performs. Alongside the actual physical use and operation of the instrument, I have learned how to use the software that is built into it. I am improving my skills in problem solving and teamwork, so that I can effectively contribute to my team. This is helping to deepen and broaden my understanding of the industry.

I enjoy the daily routine and find that having a structured work environment where my responsibilities and tasks are set out at the start of the week, this helps me to plan my time and ensure that I am able to meet deadlines. I like that team that I work within and get on very well with all of my colleagues, we support eachother in the lab and also as friends. The site that I work on is large and has great facilities for staff.

Considering that there are 4 separate parties involved in my apprenticeship - university, Cogent, Pfizer, and myself - the course is fairly well organised. It is easy to communicate effectively with any one of these groups and I am fully aware of what they can do for me. The time is well organised meaning that the 20% study time is honoured by Pfizer, and Cogent and the university especially work in conjunction to maintain the required structure.

As someone who is living with anxiety and depression, I have found that from the very start of my apprenticeship, I have been treated with respect and consideration when I express how my mental health may impact my work. My Pfizer manager especially has been extremely understanding and has done everything in their power to ensure that I can work to my best ability. Cogent are also very supportive and the EAP service that they provide is excellent.

The University of Kent have been very understanding of my situation regarding my depression and anxiety. They have taken on board how my condition is impacting my progress and how my method of study and learning is different to someone who doesn’t have a mental illness. The advisor at the uni that I correspond with is very friendly and open and makes it easy for me to contact them about any concerns I may have.

My education has helped in part to improve my understand of the chemistry and the techniques that we use, also this knowledge has made it easier for me to contribute in the team and when problem solving around the experiments that we run. So far, my degree is setting out the basics of chemistry so it isn't too in depth or specific to the test and instruments that Pfizer use most frequently, but it is improving my analytical comprehension.

In the past (pre-Covid), Pfizer has funded apprentice group events, such as a meet and greet between new and current apprentices on site across a variety of departments. The team that I am a part of have a quarterly off-site meeting where we go into the local town, book a function room in a cafe or restaurant, and have a day long discussion about the projects we have and are working on, food and drink is provided by Pfizer.

Yes

I feel welcome and comfortable in my team and have done from day 1. My colleagues are friendly and open, so it is easy to ask for help regarding work, but also to have a chat just as friends too. The site is large and is in a lovely area which helps the ergonomics. Pfizer spend time and money in training the managers in being mental health first aiders and are working on the equality and diversity in the company.

If you reach the interview stage, make sure that you use your personal experiences as focal points when answering questions, even if they are not necessarily work related. Having a variety of skills that have been built from your hobbies or personal experience are great things to talk about, it shows versatility and a willingness to learn. It piques the interest of interviewers and it will make you stand out from anyone else that is competing for that position.