Junior Technician Review
at Charles River
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Great Chesterford
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
I run LCMS machines which involves setting up the machines and making solvents for them. I also run the LogD and CHDI experiments myself using another LCMS machine. I also analyse the data produced from all of these experiments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
For someone who enjoys learning about Chemistry the study side is great, I know that some areas of it will overlap with my work which will be interesting to see. I very much enjoy the mix of lab work as a berak of being at a desk all day.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Yes, time management and balancing study with work has definitely been developed since starting. Lab based skills and learning how to use and fix equipment I hadn't used before starting is a new skill that has been picked up surprisingly easily.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very well structured with your choice of study day to take where no work is expected of you that day, just study. Straight away you are given the chance to be working in the labs and developing the confidence to do that independently.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Good support from my line manager as well as those that I work with on a closer and more regular basis. Some apprentice focused activities such as journal club during paid hours to help us understand scientific literature. Relaxed and supportive approach to study and flexibility with work around exams.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Some support is offered however this isn't the easiest the access since all learning is remote learning however lecturers are available by email for any questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification in Chemistry is definitely helping me understand some areas of my role and will add additional detail the further through it I get. It is well suited to my work and I expect it to help me out more in future.
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
Journal club is a good example of an extra thing all apprentices take part in, reviewing scientific writing, some sports clubs are available and more social activities should be around in the summer. These are not particularly well advertised to apprentices and not as numerous as other places.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Very friendly atmosphere with rewarding and interesting work that is done here. Variety of roles available and plenty of things to learn about different roles. Strong support available if needed and good help on pushing you to achieve as much as you can here.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Must show an interest in science for either biology or chemistry apprenticeships. Prior work experience of any kind is helpful. Try to be a nice friendly person if invited to interview in person, that makes a big difference!
