Drug Discovery Apprentice Review
at Charles River
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: April 2024
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
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 work in the Purification department, my daily tasks include running tests on compounds, purifying new drug molecules and testing again for final purity. I work with a small team to carry out this role and develop important skills that are useful across the business.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Enjoy it greatly, learning about the science behind what we do through my work and uni course is great. Gaining experience and responsibility within the team to take on new tasks on my own is very rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Practical knowledge of how equipment works is extremely valuable and has been the focus of training sessions. Become more confiedent using IT programs such as Excel and Powerpoint in a professional setting as well as more independent learning with some coding to help with unique problems I've faced.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Clear structure to it in both the work and university side. Well supported in my work and encouraged to learn and develop my skills. Can sometimes be difficult not having easy access to lecturers as all learning is done remotely.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Always had plenty of support, getting the chance to learn hands on with the help of experienced people allows new skills to be picked up very easily. Ability to be flexible with my study also helps greatly.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I have access to my course leaders however this is only through email and can take some time to get responses back to questions that I have.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Some parts of my course are directly linked to my day to day role and help me understand some of the more detailed aspects of my work. Most topics are not related to my day to day role however may be more useful in other areas of the business.
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
There is many clubs you are able to join to enjoy either during or after work, social activities usually occur once a month for the whole site to enjoy. In the summer there is a rounders tournament and golf course available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Very interesting and rewarding work that encourages you to develop and continue learning.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Take the time to prepare for interviews and have a neat and detailed CV.
