Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently being trained in Chemical Reaction Process Hazards. This involves using a variety of lab equipment and instruments to analyze the thermal stability of final products and intermediates from sites around the world. I am also studying for a chemical science degree which involves one study day each week.

I have learnt how to use instruments that are unique to this department such as DSC, small scale thermal stability screening test (carius tube) and Dewar calorimetry. I have also learnt how to analyze the results from these tests and draw conclusions about the chemical properties of the final product/intermediate.

I thoroughly enjoy my program. In the workplace, I am constantly learning new skills and applying these to jobs from customers. The team I work with are very friendly and helpful. I feel that this program was the best decision for me as it is just the right balance between work and study.

In my workplace the program is very well organized. I will have completed 4 placements at the end of my apprenticeships in 4 different areas within process technology. The training program was planned out well and I gained lots of support during this. On the university side, the program is well structured but sometimes it is not obvious when new units are starting so this could be a bit more organized.

I gain lots of support from my employer as an apprentice. I have regular meetings with my manager to talk about how the program is going. I also had a mentor in my first year who had gone through a similar program to talk to about any problems with someone who had experience completing an apprenticeship.

It is sometimes hard to access support from my training provider as this is a distance learning course. The tutors sometimes take a few days to respond to emails which is not always ideal. However, the university do offer lots of support that can be accessed online anytime (study skills, mental health etc.).

My qualification provides the basic theory behind experiments that take place in my workplace. This is important as it deepens my understanding about the practical and also helps me draw conclusions and write reports to give to customers. The qualification also teaches softer skills such as presentations which has helped in my job role when presenting results and findings to an audience.

At work there are many extra-curricular activities that take place. This includes quizzes, walking clubs, challenges, charity events and professional networking events. I enjoy getting involved with these events as it means i can meet new people within the company or community. I feel that the company provide a lot of extra-curricular activities for everyone.

Yes

The degree program is very well organized and allows for career progression and new opportunities. The staff are very friendly and helpful. There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in outside of work which is great for meeting new people. There are also many employee benefits such as health insurance and car leasing.

The application process was easy to understand and I received a response very quickly with a date/time for an interview. The interview day was split into 2 different interviews with a site tour in between. The interview contained mainly 'tell me about a time when' type questions, which were easy to apply to several situations.