Biological Manufacturing Operator Review

Item: Biological Manufacturing Operator at Charles River
Rating: 2.8
Author: Anonymous

at Charles River

Degree Apprenticeship

Pharmaceutical, Science

Keele

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

2.8 /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!

3/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

2.2/5 - 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

At CRL being a biologics manufacturing operator incorporated GxP principles and protocols. As a CDMO site there is no room for experimentation or learning within the work place to develop or partner your study but there is interwork development via SOP's and job training manuals. Day to day tasks range from calibrating equipment, preparing rooms for processing (campaign cleans, transfers, documentation). It is a GMP facility with Grade A areas with supported training to pass gowning qualifications.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

3/5

I am enjoying my course and my learning. There is a clear disconnect between university and work life, with no support or communication about the studying or apprenticeship on the work place to which has raised concerns and challenges to me during my employment (i.e. study time for exams whilst working night shifts or basic discussions or encouragement for modules). During residentials and onsite days there is no financial support so accommodation and food expenses are expected to be paid for my oneself which can cause stress and worry as workplace does not support physically nor financially anymore than it legally must.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have gained a strong foundational knowledge of microbiology and working in pharmaceuticals - especially GMP.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

2/5

The university was great. There was a lot of structure and organization from the learning provider however no organization or structure from the employer side.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

1/5

My line manager is present and supportive as much as they can within the frame of the job role other than that I do not feel supported from my employer. I highly recommend the degree apprenticeship even still - invaluable knowledge and experience.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

I have gained invaluable understanding of the foundations of my job although I cannot apply anything I learn in my modules to the workplace due to the nature of the role and the lack of freedom between departments.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

1/5

There is a Sports and Social Committee that you can pay into. I have found it a waste of money that goes into supporting others and especially someone with diet requirements the best part (Easter and Christmas Chocolate) are never catered for me.