Scientist II Review
at Charles River
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: April 2026
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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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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
My role is within Biology, which currently involves cell line generation. I also do assay development and screening.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The programme is interesting but disorganised from Kent. Charles River are very supportive in regards to taking time to study and having apprentice mentors.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
We are constantly learning new techniques and the apprenticeship gives us access to more opportunities.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
we are often left unsure of tasks. this has been fed back to kent
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
lots of support from line managers, apprenticeship mentors, and apprenticeship leads
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
You are often thrown in the deep end so do have to be quite independent and a critical thinker, and reach out for support when needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
critical thinking, journal clubs, and coursework provide skills and confidence to perform better in my role.
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
lots of different clubs, however access to conferences is very low due to budget
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
supportive friendly environment
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
it is fast paced so you need to be able to make decisions confidently and quickly
