Apprentice Laboratory Technician Review
at University of Oxford
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Oxford
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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
I primarily look after lab spaces/equipment in a biomedical facility, including centrifuges, CO2 incubators, -80 freezers, and pH meters. I also mange hazardous waste and provide lab inductions/training to new lab users.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the time spent in the labs and the workplace culture is fantastic. My team are very close and supportive of each other. The only drawback is my online tuition, which is sometimes let down by my tutor not making the sessions as engaging as they could be.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have gained many practical skills involved in my role, such as how to carry out maintenance on specialist lab equipment. Additionally, I have been able to access useful courses that are not directly linked to my job, including a comprehensive First Aid at Work course.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured. I have 12 units that will be completed over 18 months, followed by an End Point Assessment that includes an exam, and observation, and a discussion. All of this was clearly explained at the beginning of the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is lots of support available from my employer. My line manager and team are very supportive, and the Apprenticeship Team also provides a network of former apprentices that can give tips and advice.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I feel that I receive a good level of support from my training provider, as my tutors respond promptly to emails when I have questions and there is a dedicated person to contact if I feel overwhelmed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think it is helping me in my role by providing context to the work I am doing. Having not studied Biology since my A Levels over 5 years ago, it has been very useful to have a refresher on many topics that I may encounter.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are many activities, including a monthly pizza social in the department, a social group that organises outings, meetings of lab workers to share knowledge (e.g., on sustainable practices), and a variety of free talks on many topics.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend University of Oxford to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is a huge range of opportunities within the University, and over 80% of apprentices continue to work at the University when their program has finished. The working environment is also very social and there are lots of events to get involved in.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to University of Oxford?
I was worried that I would be penalised for being older ( I started my program at 25), but there is a wide range of ages amongst the apprentices at Oxford. Also, they are not looking for somebody with experience in the program area, as they want to be able to teach you something.
