Why did you choose a Degree Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship was not the most talked-about option at college and a lot of focus was on encouraging students that going to university was the best option. However, I had decided that going to university just wasn’t for me and even though all my friends were heading off to university and I wasn’t too clear in what I wanted to do still, it was an easy decision to make to start looking for apprenticeships as I knew this was what I wanted to do.

The GOV and UCAS websites I found were really helpful in showing what apprenticeships were out there and about the different levels available. Here I decided I wanted to do a Degree or higher-level apprenticeship. I started applying and going for interviews from around April 2018 until August 2018 when I got offered the job at Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS). In this time, I managed to get eight or nine interviews, which were mainly degree ones relating to science subjects, but also a number of higher-level ones in the areas of science, law and business. 

Determination was needed for the application stage, as after a number of rejections I wondered if my plan of getting an apprenticeship wasn’t going to happen. However, I am so glad I stuck with it as the last and final interview I went for was at Advanced Medical Solutions, and this time I finally got an apprenticeship!     

Looking back over your time (so far), how have you found the whole experience?

Eye-opening! Over the past two years, I have already developed a huge amount and have learned so much in such a small amount of time. Coming straight into the industry from college, I had very limited lab experience and understanding of microbiology. 

But now, over two years later, I am fully trained in a number of current microbiology test methods and have now moved onto physical testing, where I am the only person within the R&D team who is trained in both areas. The level of support and guidance I have received from my colleagues has been incredible, especially from the scientific services team. They are always happy to help and offer support, they have taught me an incredible amount about areas within microbiology such as biofilms, and have been instrumental in teaching me the theory and practical sides of test methods.  

Aside from the lab work, I have also had exposure to many other aspects of the business such as quality procedures, regulatory processes and much more.  Although my job role is more microbiology focused, the degree I am completing at Manchester Met still goes hand in hand with the work I perform at AMS. 

Certain assignments have allowed me to use what I have learned by applying it to a task at work and vice versa. For example, an assignment required me to look into the change control process in the workplace, which allowed me to explore an area of the business, which I hadn’t had exposure to before.  

Working a 40-hour week and studying for a degree at the same time is sometimes challenging, however, once you find your own balance it will become second nature. One of the skills that I have developed the most during my degree is my time management skills. I usually spend one day a week completing work for my degree, which is through distance learning, with the occasional visit onto campus for a residential week. 

A typical day would include lab work, either microbiology or physical testing, this would depend on what project I am working on for that particular day. Also attending team or project meetings to give updates on testing, and also office work i.e. writing and reporting results. Typical projects include new innovations developed within the R&D team and competitor testing. 

YOU RECENTLY WON THE ‘Microbiology APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR’ AWARD. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU TO WIN AND TO BE RECOGNISED? 

My improved communication skills and confidence have been noted and last year one of my colleagues nominated me for Pharmig’s inaugural Microbiology Apprentice of the Year award, which was a huge privilege to receive. As the winner, I was invited to present the topic of biofilms in Woundcare at one of their conferences in which over 80 people with scientific backgrounds attended. Presenting at the conference was by far one of my most nerve-wracking yet proudest moments. Two years ago I had no idea what a biofilm was and I would never have had the confidence to present to an audience.  

Read more about Cery’s winning the Microbiology Apprentice of the Year here.

How has your Degree Apprenticeship supported your career progression?

During my time as an apprentice, I have been introduced to a number of different areas and subjects and I am lucky to work at AMS, where aside from chemistry which I am learning about at Manchester Met, I also get the opportunity and support to learn about microbiology, which is an area that I hadn’t really heard of before. I have particularly enjoyed and would love to continue the research side of microbiology and a recent project enabled me to research microbiological techniques and methods that we could apply to a new product. In the future, I would love to build my knowledge and interest in microbiology. 

My self-confidence has improved massively since starting my apprenticeship. When I first started and everything and everyone was new, I found it very daunting especially as I am naturally a shy and quiet person. But now, I have the confidence to speak up in project meetings, question decisions and I have recently presented at a scientific conference to over 80 people, something which I never thought I would have achieved.

What impact has your Degree Apprenticeship had in the organisation?

Over the past two years, I have been entrusted with more and more responsibility within the business and have been involved in a number of time-critical projects that have led to the progression of products being released onto the market. 

My flexibility to perform both micro and physical testing has benefited the team, as I have been able to transfer knowledge and techniques I have learned from physical testing and apply them into the microbiology practices.  

Would you recommend a Degree Apprenticeship?

Absolutely! It’s so rewarding. I don’t feel I have missed out on completing a degree via distance learning. The level of support provided by Manchester Met is brilliant. I would 100% recommend a Degree Apprenticeship to anybody.  

Do you have any advice for future Degree Apprentices?

Don’t give up when applying for roles, once you get onto the apprenticeship it will be the best thing you’ll do! 

Time management is key. I have found it very helpful to plan and write out everything you have to do down onto a calendar as it’s much easier to keep track of everything that way. I generally have my university day on a Thursday and feel it’s easy to balance work and university if I set aside one day a week. 

My manager says…

“Cerys is an outstanding apprenticeship student, as demonstrated by her ability to learn and perform testing within the R&D Scientific Services department to a very high standard. Cerys has developed skills specifically for investigating the microbiological and physical properties of medical device products whilst also gaining experience regarding regulatory, quality and health and safety compliance within the medical device industry, which is a valuable and transferable skill set to acquire and is also beneficial to Cerys’s degree. 

“Taking on an apprenticeship student has benefitted the R&D team and the wider organisation immensely due to the work performed and has contributed to the launch of products into the market place. In addition, utilising Cerys skills and degree knowledge  has led to improvements within the laboratories.”

Click here to find out more about our Laboratory Science Degree Apprenticeship