Laboratory Technician Review
at Charles River
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: February 2021
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
My Daily tasks involve handling requests to prepare assay plates with compounds for in-house high-throughput screening and directly for clients. To do this, I utilize a variety of equipment such liquid handlers and create protocols to run on the equipment. The current work system means that I work on specific tasks within multiple projects over the day and continually keep scientists updated on their requests.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The work is engaging and the teams that I have worked with so far have been extremely helpful, patient, and generally pleasant to work with. The workplace environment is a positive one and the company promotes this through its values. The role so far has been more technical and less scientific than I anticipated. I have enjoyed it so far.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
In my previous rotation, I was part of the tissue culture team and learnt multiple skills such as aseptic technique, subculture of cells, freeze-downs and thawing of cells, and had experience carrying out transfections.
In more general terms, I've also increased my organizational and have had multiple opportunities to hone my presentation skills as part of the journal club.
In more general terms, I've also increased my organizational and have had multiple opportunities to hone my presentation skills as part of the journal club.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Training feels inconsistent at times although this has been made more difficult due to social distancing measures in the workplace. The Study aspect of the apprenticeship is well organized and easy to follow.
The mentor scheme at Charles River has been helpful for my development and I have always received guidance when needed. The apprenticeship is organized into rotations and there are events aimed at our growth e.g. journal club and Q&A sessions.
The mentor scheme at Charles River has been helpful for my development and I have always received guidance when needed. The apprenticeship is organized into rotations and there are events aimed at our growth e.g. journal club and Q&A sessions.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My manager and mentor have cooperated with me to provide me with additional training in response to my requests and both have guided me in the right direction for any problems that I have had. They have both always been keen to help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Academic advisors have usually been quick to respond to my questions regarding coursework and exam revision. Some tutors offer additional events on top of the coursework. My apprenticeship advisor is in contact with me regularly and has been very supportive when helping me deal with exam timetables and administration issues.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
In my first rotation, the coursework introduced me to the basics of cell culture before applying this to the lab, which was a definite advantage when it came to picking the practical skills up. I have not been able to apply the the contents of my course to my rotation in compound management so far.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There is a volunteer day where we are able to spend the day helping a cause of our own choice in order to give back to the community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think the fact that I am able to experience multiple departments in the company and work alongside and learn from experts is very insightful for helping me make decisions on the direction of my career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Be aware of the different departments and their functions and have an understanding of the values that Charles River holds.
