Laboratory Scientist Apprentice Review

I really enjoy being able to contribute to real oncology drug development from the first day is very rewarding. My favourite part of my job is all the hand-on experience from working in the laboratory and running experiments. Being able to independently run experiments in the laboratory and produce vital data for critical projects has made my passion for science grow every day. Furthermore I enjoy learning about other areas within the company and even getting opportunities to shadow and work in those areas on interest. Although it can sometimes be tricky juggling university studies, assignments and exams alongside company project work and laboratory experiments there is an abundance of support, the programme is so beneficial and enjoyable.

Doing an apprenticeship where you balance both studying for a higher level qualification and gain industry experience allows you to develop a wide range of skills. In terms of practical skills my laboratory skills have advanced immensely, especially as I work in large team giving me the ability to learn a variety of technology and procedures. To the point where I can independently run experiments in the laboratory and produce vital data for critical projects. I have gained a Level 5 Laboratory Scientist qualification and a Fd degree in Applied Bioscience so far. As I continue the apprenticeship I am working towards a Level 6 and BSc (Hons) in those same courses.
Being in the workplace allows you to develop many soft skills. Public speaking in meetings and conferences has allows me to progress my communication skills and adapt my presentation style to various audiences. Organisation is key efficiently working and meeting deadlines for both project work and university assignments. Working in a team and across departments enables me advance teamworking and collaboration skills. Additionally, there are many courses available to develop specific areas such as effective communication, scientific communication, self-leadership, inclusivity & diversity, statistics, coding, and various software, just to name a few.

There are various internal and external activities to get involves in in both a professional and social environment. There are various committees and councils organised by employees for different groups such as apprentice council, or open groups such as charity comittees. There are employee resource groups such as network of women and AZinspire which organise symposiums, courses, lunch & learns, journal clubs and many more events throughout the year for personal development and networking opportunities. As well as this there are general events such as Networking days and conferences organised by departments and functions to share scientific knowledge and meet people in different areas of the company.
Furthermore there are various informal social and sports events organised these groups, students and apprentices such as netball teams, hockey teams, bowling, dinners, escape rooms, punting, BBQs, pub quizzes, pub crawls and nights out. Despite the restriction due to the pandemic over the past year there has still been a huge effort to continue with conferences, networking days and social activities virtually. This has been a great was to stay connected and positive during this time

Gaining work experience in the career of interest, pharmaceutical industry or science generally is extremely beneficial as it shows a your passion and great to have on your application and CV to be more employable. Additionally work experience allows you to speak first hand to working professionals to ask questions, discuss the path they took to get to their current position, learn more about their experience and understand more about different areas of the industry. This will show in that you are enthusiastic and proactive.
In interviews try to find situations where skills you have shown are transferrable (e.g. communication, organisation, team work) and just be yourself and let your personality shine!