Choosing degree apprenticeships

I have always enjoyed chemistry, as it was the only subject I had a natural flare and interest for back in high school. I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a degree and career in chemistry, so when the time came to visit universities and get an idea of where to study, I felt disheartened when I didn’t feel the ‘buzz’ that all my friends spoke about. I just couldn’t picture myself sat in lecture halls all day, every day for three or more years, and I didn’t want to make the commitment when I didn’t feel 100% sure.

I discovered degree apprenticeships while researching alternative routes to full-time university. I was apprehensive about applying as my friends were all going to full-time university. I’d also read that degree apprenticeships are really competitive. Now I’m in the final year of my apprenticeship, I’ve never looked back!

Accelerated career progression

The Laboratory Scientist (Chemical Science) Degree Apprenticeship is helping me to develop in my career as I’m always learning new skills. I doubt I’d get the same chance to constantly be involved in new projects and opportunities had I applied to a normal full-time job as a lab technician, for example. I’m fortunate to have colleagues who support my learning day-to-day and a manager who is invested in helping me achieve my career goals.

I feel that my career has progressed quickly so far. In my first year I was mainly responsible for stock management and handling customer sample requests, with occasional involvement in bench work under the guidance of my mentors.

Moving into my second year, I began to take on more pivotal projects, one of which even granted me the opportunity to travel to America!

Throughout my third year, I have gained increasing autonomy in the lab and have begun to collaborate with various departments, learning how they work together to put a process on to the plant.

I’m looking forward to continuing my development for the remainder of my apprenticeship and I’m currently exploring post-graduation options, including the continuation of my education via a masters degree.

Impact at Italmatch

Some of the laboratory staff on site are approaching retirement, and the apprenticeship scheme has offered the business a way to ensure there are new people trained and ready to continue research and development once experienced employees reach the end of their career. The process of more experienced employees sharing their knowledge with me has been exciting, and it’s really rewarding when I’m able to use my new skills to contribute back to the business.

Not long into my second year, I was involved in my first big project, which involved introducing a new product onto the plant. I’m honoured that my colleagues trusted me to carry out the lab work for such a significant project, especially so early on in my career. I feel that with the help of my co-workers, I am becoming increasingly confident and independent; important skills which will enable me to make the leap from apprentice to chemist in a years’ time.

Winning a silver medal at the UK World Skills competition*

I saw the UK World Skills competition advertised by the royal society of chemistry in January and decided to register, as a way to challenge myself.

The entry stage involved completing an online assessment, which consisted of answering questions about laboratory techniques, equipment maintenance and chemistry calculations.

For the national qualifiers, I completed a day of assessed laboratory work at the University of Manchester. This involved using my practical skills and knowledge to carry out two problem solving tasks within a set timeframe. The judges, who are industry experts within the chemical field, observed and asked questions. We were scored on a range of areas, such as technique, organisation, timekeeping and accuracy of results.

The eight highest scorers of the 117 registrants were chosen, and I’m lucky enough to be one of these! This means that I will attend the national finals, which will take place over three days between 14th-18th November in Manchester. Here I’ll participate in a series of unseen laboratory exercises, with the highest scorer being named the ‘best in the UK’ during an award ceremony on the final day. The highest scoring participants will get the opportunity to represent the UK as a laboratory technician at the next International World Skills event in 2026.

*In November 2023, our outstanding Laboratory Scientist apprentice, Kasia Gierek,  was awarded a silver medal at the WorldSkills UK 2023.

Preparing for the competition

I’m really excited to have got this far, I wasn’t expecting it at all! I think the quality of teaching at Manchester Met has played a big part; the tutors are always providing useful feedback and ready to explain concepts further if needed. This paired with the mentoring and support I’ve received at Italmatch over the past three years has enabled me to be successful.

I think the competition-based training approach that WorldSkills adopt, is unique and a fun way to learn. I’m looking forward to attending the training in London in preparation for the competition, and I’m hoping to further my knowledge of new lab techniques. As the tasks have tight time constraints, it’s a good opportunity to practice working under pressure and submitting work to a deadline, so I’m looking forward to developing this skill too.

A good grounding from my apprenticeship

The chemical analysis and instrumental analysis units in particular have proved really useful, and the theory taught has been applicable to the real-world situations presented during the competition so far. The blend of hands-on learning and studying has helped me develop a strong skills set, and a firm understanding of why certain procedures are carried out within a laboratory environment.

My colleagues’ and tutors’ encouragement gives me the confidence to apply my skills to any situation. This has fostered a problem-solving mindset, which has helped me progress to this stage of the competition.

Challenge yourself with an apprenticeship

There is an outdated attitude surrounding apprenticeships, in that people think they are easy and for people who don’t have the grades to get into university, but this isn’t the case! In fact, an apprenticeship could be considered the more challenging way to get a degree, as you have to balance a full-time job with studying. It’s worth doing your research before applying for an apprenticeship as it is a big commitment that comes with sacrifices. If you’re willing to work hard then definitely go for it! It’s really rewarding when you work late nights studying then smash an exam, or see a successful project through at work.

Find out more about our Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) or Laboratory Scientist (Chemical Science) Degree Apprenticeships.