Technical specialist Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Harlow
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
3/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
4/5
Laboratory technician in Biology department in early drug discovery, main roles are compound screening cellular assay development and lab equipment management.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy my day-to-day work, i think the degree education from the training provider could be of a higher quality, but its worthwhile and interesting.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
The program has enabled me to develop my critical analysis skills, while i haven't formally learnt any entirely new skills, ongoing development has enhanced my ability to assess situations more strategically and make informed decisions
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I have one day of study on the program a week and 4 days for work with my employer. Charles river manages my work load very well and gives me clear opportunities to progression. The course and assessments set out by the training provider for the study day can be confusing and of poor quality. Communication with the university is often unclear.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Employer is very supportive of my studying and my workplace mentors offers support whenever i need it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My academic advisor is wonderful and will help me with any concerns or questions I have. It can sometimes be a challenge to get important information from the university and their responses can be delayed, however the lecturers are very kind and supportive even though things can occasionally feel unorganized
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The understanding of the industry i gain through the degree helps me understand where my work fits in drug discovery and will help me progress.
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
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company is a great place to work and grow in a supportive environment
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Have an appreciation and interest in the translational drug discovery process from basic science through to the patient
