Before my apprenticeship I worked in hospitality for 4 years from the age of 15.
It wasn’t a career it was just a job and I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to do.
A friend did analytical testing down the road and suggested I get a job in a lab as it is interesting and there will always be a need for lab technicians!
I knew nothing about the company beforehand and was applying for all different apprenticeships.
I got the interview at Neogene and the interview process included looking at the company beforehand, which was intriguing.
It’s a niche field and nothing like what I used to do!
What did you enjoy the most?
I really like that the company is a small company which means I can talk to everyone and not just be someone’s apprentice.
To everyone in the workplace I am just another part of the team, I’m not thought of as an apprentice.
The apprenticeship allows you to develop the knowledge so that you can see progress in a clear way. This helps, as not all of the training is left up to the workplace, like the health and safety aspects of the job which are covered through the apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship was nothing like what was expected. I expected some serious difficult chemistry, however there is less theoretical stuff to do with the apprenticeship and more theoretical side of the actual job I’m doing which I can apply straight away and I’m building a career in a field I am really enjoying.
The workplace want to keep progressing the younger generation and are really happy to share all of their knowledge.
I prefer doing the apprenticeship over another job which may pay more money. I have earned more money before but I didn’t have a good work-life balance or the training that I have been given the year I have been on the apprenticeship.
The training and knowledge gained is invaluable and will set me up for life.
The Future
I plan to continue working at Neogene but gain more responsibility as I progress through different roles and increase my understanding of the jobs I have to do.
I would just like to keep developing, keep learning and enjoying my job!
I am getting as much knowledge as I can so that I can put myself in a great position to progress in the future.