Laboratory Science Apprentice Review

Item: Laboratory Science Apprentice at Charles River
Rating: 3.8
Author: Anonymous

at Charles River

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Science

Cambridge

Review Submitted: February 2021

Overall Rating

3.8 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

3.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

My role working in the drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics department involves working in a team to perform experiments to determine properties of compounds. My day to day tasks involve planning experiments, using liquid handling automation and analysing samples using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. I also use statistics to process data and discuss this with project managers.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I've enjoyed working in a lab on practical tasks and learning scientific theory through a hands on approach. I also like working as part of a team and collaborating with colleagues across the department to gain knowledge and experience.
I also enjoy studying for a foundation degree alongside working as I can see the applications of the theory I'm learning. I find this really interesting.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

I've learned lots of practical skills through working in a lab including operating automation, performing biological assays, cell culture and using analytical instruments.
I've also had the opportunity to develop professional skills such as presenting in team and department meetings.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

I'm supported at work by my line manager and mentor in each department I work in and by the wider teams and department. Training in various techniques is performed following established procedures ensuring I feel safe confident working in the lab.
I meet with my advisor from the university regularly to discuss work, study and progress on the course and they are available to contact at any time.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

4/5

I meet regularly with both my manager and mentor to discuss catch up around work and training in new techniques. I work in a friendly team so I can also ask for help and advice from colleagues and more senior department members if needed.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

I have meetings with my apprenticeship advisor every other month to discuss progress at work and with the course. The course is delivered by distance learning online and academic staff are available to answer course specific questions by email or phone call.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

Studying bioscience helps give me understand science underpinning the work I do and it's wider context. It also gives me a greater insight into the industry and other areas of science.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

2/5

There are various social activities organised including board games nights, rugby and cycling.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?

Yes

Why?

There are lots of opportunities to learn different techniques and areas of science from doing an apprenticeship at Charles River as you rotate around different departments and can learn from experienced scientists in different fields.