Drug Discovery Apprentice II Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
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
Managing compound requests for both internal and external clients, which involves supplying them with solid or solubilised compounds as quickly as possible, which they then use in their various assays.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am really enjoying my apprenticeship so far and feel fairly satisfied with it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Interacting with fellow scientists both in person and over teams has helped develop my communication skills which is very important in a scientific role. I've also gained problem solving skills as I work with a lot of equipment which tend to act up a lot.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My programme is pretty straightforward. Rotations can be a bit delayed depending on business need. The university of Kent is introducing a new module structure which should provide clearer blocks with deadlines for each module.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I have my manager and my mentor who I can always reach out to for both work and personal concerns.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My apprenticeship advisor from the university is always available to help with any queries I might have and responds quickly. The study skills resources currently available are more suited to university students schedule and might not be very helpful to apprentices.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Some knowledge from my modules does help me at work and vice versa but a lot of the modules I'm on at a time don't really align with my current department.
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's a rounder's team and we have a barbecue in the summer.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Charles River has an inclusive work environment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Always ask questions.
