Higher Degree Apprentice Review

Completed three rotations: Outside Innovation, Analytical R&D and Global Medical Affairs. OI involved sourcing technologies and partners. Analytical involved completing stability testing, method development and validation activities to ensure products were suitable over shelf-life. Medical involves ensuring regulatory compliance and product development with science in mind.

Project management. Time management. Presenting with impact. Influencing others. Leadership skills. End-to-end product development. Practical scientific skills.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning whilst on the job. Industry experience is invaluable and allows you to apply theoretical knowledge learnt whilst completing the degree, which enhances breadth and depth of understanding. The access to industry experts arguably stretches your knowledge far beyond degree content.

My intake of apprentices were the first within my company. There have been organisational teething problems throughout, but nothing too considerable.

My current line manager can't do enough for me in terms of degree support and career development. HR don't have as a big a role in supporting apprentices on a day-to-day.

My personal experience is that SIAS have had very limited contact with the apprentices during the apprenticeship qualification. University of Kent are available when needed.

The theoretical content of the degree helps massively, especially in my final role in Medical as understanding of your area of specialism is required to complete your job proficiently. The apprenticeship qualification has helped guide and seek opportunities in certain areas that would have maybe gone unnoticed otherwise.

Very few. Used to attend bootcamp sessions regularly. Involved in a netball tournament once. Due to COVID, all extra-curricular activities have been cancelled.

No

RB encourage rotations around the company within the 5-year programme, which will provide you with an excellent foundation of knowledge and breadth of business experience very early on in your career. 5 years industry experience plus a BSc, will look fantastic on your CV.

The apprenticeship is a very long scheme, so take this into consideration when applying for the apprenticeship scheme. I would try to understand what business functions you're interested in before applying, because sometimes you can remain stagnant in the same function unless you express interest in another.