(Research Scientist/MSc Technical Leadership)
I have built my career at CUH, and with over 18 years’ experience in the Cambridge Genomics laboratory it was an easy decision to continue my professional development here. I have progressed in a professional capacity based on my undergraduate degree, professional registration as a Biomedical Scientist, and hands-on experience, yet felt the next step was a master’s level qualification. Although academic masters programmes had been recommended in the past, I was keen to wait for an opportunity which provided me with new skills and methods I could utilise in the workplace, as well as gaining an academic qualification, the apprenticeship route is perfect for this.
Why do you think that CUH are a good employer for apprenticeships?
CUH have a very supportive and knowledgeable apprenticeship team, the whole application process is made easier thanks to them.
What does a typical day look like and what do you enjoy about your role?
My role is operational, I manage all the resources within the wet lab in the Cambridge Genomics Laboratory to ensure the smooth running of a Diagnostic service. I am lucky my role is diverse, anything can happen, which requires me and my fantastic team to act promptly and safely for our patients, it certainly which keeps it interesting! I enjoy working in a dynamic area of science and with resourceful, knowledgeable, and helpful people.
What sorts of things do you do for the off the job learning aspect of your apprenticeship and does this involve attending college or is it all completed at work?
The first year of my apprenticeship involved mostly on-line teaching, with one day per module on site at the university. There also was a bulk week of teaching delivered in the university facility, so I got to feel like a real student again! The second year is all in the workplace delivering a project, so I have had to be more creative with my off the job learning by taking opportunities to attend webinars, courses, and training to aid my project work.
How have your department supported you within this apprenticeship?
Very much so, they have allowed me to be flexible with my learning and supported me through difficult times. Additional pressures prevented me from doing as much off the job learning as I had planned, but my workplace and the course leaders were very understanding and helpful. Colleagues have also been instrumental in planning my workplace project, and I couldn’t do it without them.
What are your future intentions?
I hope to continue to use my new skills and talents to improve the service we provide, and maybe look to be more involved in other areas of laboratory management in the future.
What advice would you give to others who may be looking to take on an apprenticeship?
I want to encourage others to use this route to develop themselves and their working environment, as I am already seeing the benefits it can bring. It can be challenging to balance study alongside a full-time job, I have a young family too, so make sure you are honest about your needs with your colleagues and manager, to gain not only support, but having them on board, will be valuable when it comes to discussing a useful workplace project.
for life that you have developed and how has your apprenticeship training helped to build them?
Taking a step back to observe and using my refined reflective skills has helped keep the momentum going. Although difficult for most at first to be reflective, I have seen how this is an important value throughout the apprenticeship, it helps to realise it was all worth it!