Higher Scientific Apprentice Review
at Cavendish Nuclear
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Whitehaven, Cumbria
Review Submitted: March 2023
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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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 role consists of carrying out day to day lab activities (PH checks on neut pits, Pipette checks, Balance checks, etc.) and aiding with the work flow. Once a week I go to college and study towards my HND in applied chemistry. The rest of my time is spent working on a project that I can present for my end point assessment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I highly value the experience I am gaining with Cavendish. I enjoy learning in a more practical environment and believe that gaining experience as apposed to just theoretical knowledge is much more valuable. Another benefit is the support from my colleagues, always available to support and give me advise, especially ex apprentices.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
It was vital to have a moderate understanding of the scientific principles before starting my apprenticeship but I am developing my skills everyday and learning more as I interacted with different people. I have grown a lot more confident in my own ability and scientific knowledge as well as my social skills
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My program is structured so that we have a placement in the majority of the labs by the time we are fully qualified (depending on staffing levels) the set plan is to spend 6 months in 4 areas then settle to do a development project that will be presented at the end point assessment.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Once every two weeks I have a meeting with my line manager to talk over how everything is going. this ranges from help with college work, my development project or just generally just about how I'm finding the work place. Apart from my manager all other colleagues are very helpful and support me where needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Every quarter my training provider, line manager and myself sit down for a review to establish my progress and what I can do to progress further. I also have reviews with my lecturers to see how I am doing in practical's, exams and assignments to ensure I am on track with targets.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My HND in applied Chemistry helps me to better understand the scientific principles of the methods and procedures I complete at work. the practical's at college have also made me more comfortable lone working and developing my own methods. Our professional skills module opened my eyes to quality systems and legislations that we have to follow which isn't usually part of my day to day job.
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
We currently don't have any extra-curricular activities however we have all been asked to think of team building activities that we would enjoy and take part in. we have a large age gap in our workforce so it may be a struggle to find something we were all happy and physically able to do.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cavendish Nuclear to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommended working for cavendish as they entrusted me my job responsibilities. they give me space for growth. they are a company of credibility in the industry. The level of qualification and apprenticeship will push anyone completing it to greater heights in the company as they will have a well rounded understanding of everything that goes on in the labs.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cavendish Nuclear?
Know what we do, locally and company wide.
Express your specific scientific interest so you can work with something you will enjoy.
Ask the interviewer how they got into the company.
Have a portfolio of projects you have worked on previously in college/ A levels.
Demonstrate your passion for the science and nuclear industry.
Express your specific scientific interest so you can work with something you will enjoy.
Ask the interviewer how they got into the company.
Have a portfolio of projects you have worked on previously in college/ A levels.
Demonstrate your passion for the science and nuclear industry.
