Being an apprentice at Charles River has enabled me to understand and experience roles throughout the wider company, not just the area I work in. My first rotation was in analytical sciences where I supported the daily activities of chemists by running and analysing samples. I was trained in many areas that allowed me to support the activities of the whole team, for example, I learnt to maintain and fix instruments. I found this was a great introduction to the company because I was able to work closely with the chemistry department and get to know them as well as the analytical sciences department.

I am now on my second rotation in pharmaceutics and I am already learning so much about the team and how drugs are made. I will be exposed to all areas of pharmaceutics, which are solid state, formulation and physical chemistry. I will also have many opportunities to be involved in various projects and client meetings, including presenting data to external clients, which is a huge opportunity for an apprentice as I can develop my presenting skills. I was involved in various continuous improvement projects; it is very rewarding to see the difference I am making in the company in only my first year.

The apprenticeship scheme at Charles River is focussed on developing us to the best we can be and giving us exposure across the whole company. In each department we have a mentor and a buddy, who may be another apprentice to help you get settled or another team member. Having a consistent support system of a line manager, mentor, buddy and other apprentices is vital in helping us to settle in and get started in the lab. I have noticed that staff will happily answer questions and go out of their way to help me, they are also happy to help with my university work if I need it.

As a group of apprentices, we are very close and welcoming, so I know I can always rely on the other apprentices to lend a hand if I need it. We get many opportunities such as training workshops, coffee mornings and chances to travel between sites to see other departments for the day. The team leading the apprenticeship scheme are always asking for our feedback and looking for ways to improve the scheme and find more opportunities for us, they regularly communicate with the University of Kent to ensure everything is on track, and if it is not they help us fix is as soon as possible.

After 3 years, I will achieve a foundation degree in Bioscience from the University of Kent. So far, I have enjoyed the degree and studying, it is self-directed learning but there is a lot of support from lecturers if you need it. They set up weekly sessions when they are free so you can call and ask questions, and many lecturers set up seminars for us to attend if we please. We also have an apprenticeship advisor based at the university who we have quarterly catch ups with, so we also have a support system on the university side if we need it.