Scientific apprentice Review

I am an apprentice nuclear analyst, where part of my job role is to undergo practical procedures in order to investigate the activity of samples. Day to day I preform a number of methods in order to calibrate results for these samples in order to find out the total activity. A number of my responsibility's is to work safely with a number of hazardous materials and as accurately and precise as possible.

One day a week I study within the National College For Nuclear on a foundation degree course in applied chemistry where I gain a number of laboratory skills and higher background knowledge into the subject. While at work I am constantly learning new skills and processes to different procedures, either in the labs or with my team leader mentor sessions.

I enjoy my programme as it allows me to have a work/study balance that university could not accommodate, primarily being studying with chance of placement. I like the company I work for which holds a high level of safety standards within my building and the overall professionalism with a team designated to us apprentices (Early Careers).

The Early Careers team have structured out a number of ADP (Apprentice Development Programs) through my course in order to gain skills and knowledge that I can take with me across my career. I like how this is organised as many of the sessions are office based where I can meet other apprentices in my year group compared to just a Microsoft teams meetings.

I have Mentor meetings with my team leader every two weeks where I can list any concerns I have, with the problem getting rectified sharply after that. I also have a Buddy in place which is the apprentice from the year above who can help with any small quires and give tips when it comes to college.

I have meetings with a college mentor and my team leader every 3 months where we go down all the apprenticeship competencies I need to gain for the program, with tips on how to gain the knowledge or what I should be doing. I also have meetings each term with my college teachers on how I am finding the module and if I need any help.

The qualifications that I receive from my training provider allows me to gain a further knowledge into chemistry and the actual science behind the procedures I undergo instead of just following a method and not really knowing what happens. Understanding science through my qualification can also allow me to work in the development labs where I can make my own methods as I understand the process of things.

STEM activities are highly recommended to get involved in to all employees with one activity each year being a minimum to undergo within the apprenticeship program. There was also a recent communication that the company would allow a days leave where you could get involved in local activity's to help out the community such as litter picks.

Yes

I believe if you want to pursue an apprenticeship and career within nuclear chemistry this is one of the best opportunities around here, with the framework to the programme allowing for a very hands on experience. Personally I really enjoy the professionalism to the company with it treating every staff correctly for their needs.

I would urge anyone wanting to apply to Cavendish Nuclear to do some background research into our company, see what current projects we are involved in. I would check to see what we do on a local scale at our labs, a national scale within the UK and finally a global scales with other country's.