Ali is a final-year Laboratory Technician Apprentice. He is undertaking 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Scheme, a 28-month programme aligned to the level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship standard.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I was attracted to apprenticeships because I prefer a practical learning route, and I wanted to earn while learning and gain real laboratory experience at a leading STEM university. But choosing to do an apprenticeship wasn’t easy, and I had concerns about how I would have time to study while working a full-time job and whether starting a job at 18 was too young. However, after some reflection, I took the step to do an apprenticeship, and all of my worries were resolved- my workplace has supported me in my studies by providing 1-1 coaching and one day of study leave each week (and more if required) to spend on my assignments and learning. This apprenticeship has given me a great opportunity to learn at a leading university, experience what a job can be like, and to see what many other apprenticeships offer.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day can start with reading through my emails and any training requests for equipment, followed by going into the lab and switching on the equipment so it is ready for users. Other times, I may have to assist with unexpected matters, such as a special waste collection due to hazardous chemicals being found, or with deliveries of liquid nitrogen cryovessels and dry ice. Towards the end of the day, I log my learning in my apprenticeship provider’s learning journal, along with the learning hours, as I am required to undertake a minimum of 6 hours weekly.
What new skills have you gained?
I have gained practical laboratory skills, including tissue culture and mass spectrometry. I have also learnt to write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). My communication skills have grown, as has my confidence in a professional setting. Throughout my time at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, I have worked in various laboratories, from chemical to biological, which has helped me develop many skills and techniques. I learned about tissue culture during my time in the Department of Bioengineering; it is a great technique and very interesting to me, involving maintaining cells and monitoring their growth. Another skill I have learnt, which is essential in most labs, is health and safety awareness, including identifying potential safety risks and working safely. As part of my apprenticeship, I have completed numerous presentation assignments, and I was always supported by my line managers and given many practice runs, which helped me manage my nerves when presenting to a large group.
What has been the most rewarding part of the apprenticeship so far?
Taking the first steps in my professional career has been very rewarding. The apprenticeship has allowed me to improve my interpersonal skills by interacting with people older than me. Another rewarding aspect of the job is being given more responsibility over time, as it gives you a sense of being trusted and deemed suitable. During my apprenticeship, I have had the chance to take part in multiple outreach events, which have given me a lot of satisfaction by supporting and advising younger students seeking careers in laboratory sciences. In addition, the feeling I experience when I support 51³Ô¹ÏÍø researchers and students is amazing because of the meaningful work they carry out.
What advice would you give to somebody considering this route?
I would encourage others to be curious and brave enough to ask questions. I have only learned laboratory techniques and other skills to an expert level when I have been curious and asked others questions. To build confidence, I would also encourage others to attend outreach events at schools and careers fairs, as this has really helped me feel like I'm where I want to be in life. Choosing an apprenticeship has made me realise how valuable hands-on experience is, especially at a leading science university, and I have had the chance to experience cutting-edge technology and highly specialised equipment. Apprenticeships are a great entry point into a long-term career, from what I have experienced.