Group Leader Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: February 2021
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
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:
5/5
As a Group Leader in DMPK, my role includes supporting a team of scientists focused on delivering DMPK support to clients, facilitating the teams personal development to help them achieve their career goals, working with the Director and a great team of managers to ensure the department operates well and working directly with clients to understand their requirements and to establish how best to meet their needs.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Considering all lectures are online due to COVID-19, the technical aspects of course delivery have been fantastic and it has been possible to establish a feeling of community despite not being together. Each module is delivered in two blocks of lecture days with a work based project in between. It is really interesting to see how the skills we are learning can be applied in our roles and for me this makes the learning more interesting.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
We have covered 2 modules so far. The first was focused on project management and business proposals and the second module was focused on contemporary strategy. Both modules have been really useful and have provided a suite of tools and techniques that I can apply in my role at Charles River.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Really well structured with 2/3 days or lectures, 4 weeks of work based project, another 2/3 days lectures and then an assignment which so far has been a write-up of the work based project.
The technology has been fantastic to deliver the course on line and the support at Pearson College has also been good
The technology has been fantastic to deliver the course on line and the support at Pearson College has also been good
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I have regular meetings with my line manager to discuss topics, get advice and look at progress. I also have a mentor within the organisation who provides additional support when/if needed. There are four CRL employees on this particular apprenticeship and we meet monthly with HR, as well as having chats throughout the course to support each other with out studies.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We also have a mentor at Pearson College who is available to offer help and guidance.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It is clear how some of the skills, theories and concepts I am learning on the course can be applied straight away to help me be more effective in my role at Charles River
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes. There are a number of social events that run at Charles River including board games night and a cycling club. The organisation regularly runs events to support local and national charities, as well as activities in local schools and colleges to promote careers in STEM.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is a real community spirit which is incredibly supportive and there is the chance to work with some incredibly talented and highly skilled individuals.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Don't hold off - send in your application.
