Scientist Review

I work in the Supplements and Feeds Testing team within the Sports and Specialised Analytical Services Department, testing supplements for banned substances in sport. My role mainly involves contributing to the routine screening work, which includes performing extractions of samples (using SPE, LLE and derivatisation techniques), instrument maintenance and analysis of samples (using GC-MS, HR-LCMS and QQQ-LCMS) and data analysis.

I now have experience in extraction techniques (such as SPE, LLE and derivatisation) that I had not previously been exposed to. I also am now able to troubleshoot LCMS instruments as well as contribute to the maintenance and analysis across all instruments used within the team (GCMS, QQQ-LCMS and HR-LCMS).

I really enjoy working within the Supplements team. They have offered a lot of support throughout my apprenticeship, offering their knowledge and experience to help with my degree qualification whilst working onsite, as well as always being friendly and approachable. The company values of Integrity, Brilliance, Curiosity, Respect and Passion are well adopted onsite throughout all teams and departments, providing an incredible working atmosphere.

The induction process with the training provider was quite slow with many delays, which consequently led to delays with starting the technical qualification. However once this onboarding process was completed the study material is very clear. It is independent but with many opportunities to ask questions or contact the relevant department if support is needed. Task delegation (such as assignments and completion of modules) can be unclear, with a lot of work required by the apprentice to manage time to ensure all modules, assignments and exams are completed when needed.

I receive a lot of support from the employer, with monthly catch-ups with my line manager to discuss any issues (apprenticehip or work related). I utilise these catch-ups to give an update on progress with my apprenticeship and raise any concerns I have with any aspect. I also have a coach who is a previous apprentice who offers a lot of guidance in how to manage time to ensure all components of the apprenticeship are being completed on-time.

I have regular catch-ups with my tutor to ensure my progress is meeting requirements. There is a lot of support available if needed, and my tutor has made me aware of exactly where to get this if required. Fortunately I have not had any problems or required support so can't provide many comments on this,

Overall my qualification has definitely helped me perform better in my role, providing the theory to the extractions (SPE and LLE) and instruments (GCMS and LCMS) that I use daily in my current role. Other units such as Quality Assurance, Laboratory Management and Personal and Professional Development have given a lot of insight and additional knowledge that is relevant to working in industry. However, some compulsory modules are not relevant to my role, and so this has not provided me with any additional skills and knowledge to perform better in my role, but may be useful for future positions.

There is a Sports and Social committee which provide regular activities and treats across the workplace. This can include food vans, firework displays, open cinemas as well as access to Newmarket Races. My team have also been recognised for a 'Cheers' award which entitles us to a budget to use on an activity (which is currently being organised), but potential options include Go Karting, a murder mystery, paintballing etc.

Yes

LGC is an excellent workplace that offers an amazingly friendly working atmosphere that ultimately allows their staff members to thrive. They offer excellent training in all aspects relevent to the job role and all staff are incredibly welcoming to any questions if we are ever unsure of anything. The extra-curricular activities offered is just one small benefit to working at LGC.

My main advice would be to ask lots of questions, as all staff members are incredibly open and welcoming to explaining anything when employees are ever unsure of anything. I have learnt so much from my colleagues which has helped personally, academically and within the workplace. If looking at an apprenticeship, organisation is key as there are many components (qualification, competency log, EPA). A clear plan as to how and when these components will be completed has really helped me and I would encourage any other apprentice to do the same.