Would you prefer to earn whilst you learn? Do you like to learn whilst ‘doing’? Would you like to be part of a quality learning experience? An apprenticeship might be exactly what you are looking for.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to either start your career or progress it by enhancing your skills and experience if you are already at work. There are a number of benefits that make an apprenticeship a great choice.

  • Expand your skills and experience while you earn

    You’ll learn in a practical, hands-on way with real ‘on the job’ experience. Apprenticeship programmes are also fully funded, therefore, you won’t have to pay anything towards your training and assessments and can progress without accumulating debt.

  • Advance your future career prospects

    You’ll acquire new skills that will boost your career and development opportunities in your current role, and also be transferable for the future. As well as obtaining a recognised accredited qualification.

  • Become part of a growing network of expertise

    Our community of apprentices and employers is ever-growing. Not only will you receive ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship, but you’ll also play an important part in helping to advance the industry as a whole.

What is ATAC?

How does ATAC support apprentices?

“I found that an apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to begin a career in biological science. I get to study a subject I am passionate about whilst working amongst, and learning from, a team of experienced professionals.”

Emily Bird, Technician Scientist Apprentice, Replimune

“The environment is always welcoming – with everyone available to help as and when you need it. It is a group effort and the teamwork is what makes it.”

Lara Devenish, Advanced Therapies Scientist Apprentice, Autolus

“I chose the apprenticeship route initially because I was not sure if I would be able to get into a university with the A-level courses I was doing. However, after I started to have a look at what some of the apprenticeships where offering, my mind started to change, and I was actively looking for an apprenticeship in the field that I wanted to have a career in. I would recommend apprenticeship to anyone. Being able to work, earn money and go to university to get a degree at the same time is a great opportunity, especially in the field you want to work in.”

Jo-Neal Lewis, Research Technician Apprentice, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

“I decided to do a degree apprenticeship because I wanted to gain practical experience within the scientific research sector. At the same time, I wanted to progress with my studies without having to worry about being in debt. The best thing about this programme is that it seamlessly moulds the academic aspect of my degree with my time at the Catapult, thus allowing me to cover course content and continue with the responsibilities my role requires. The working environment at the Catapult is also very friendly and full of energy, making this journey even more exciting!”

Nafisa Rahman, Research Technician Apprentice, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

“I found that an apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to begin a career in biological science. I get to study a subject I am passionate about whilst working amongst, and learning from, a team of experienced professionals.”

Emily Bird, Advanced Therapies Scientist Apprentice, Replimune

“The environment is always welcoming – with everyone available to help as and when you need it. It is a group effort and the teamwork is what makes it.”

Lara Devenish, Advanced Therapies Scientist Apprentice, Autolus

I decided to do a degree apprenticeship because I wanted to gain practical experience within the scientific research sector. At the same time, I wanted to progress with my studies without having to worry about being in debt. The best thing about this programme is that it seamlessly moulds the academic aspect of my degree with my time at the Catapult, thus allowing me to cover course content and continue with the responsibilities my role requires. The working environment at the Catapult is also very friendly and full of energy, making this journey even more exciting!

Nafisa Rahman, Research Technician Apprentice, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

I chose the apprenticeship route initially because I was not sure if I would be able to get into a university with the A-level courses I was doing. However, after I started to have a look at what some of the apprenticeships where offering, my mind started to change, and I was actively looking for an apprenticeship in the field that I wanted to have a career in. I would recommend apprenticeship to anyone. Being able to work, earn money and go to university to get a degree at the same time is a great opportunity, especially in the field you want to work in.

Jo-Neal Lewis, Research Technician Apprentice, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

What you need to know:

Where the training comes from

Each apprenticeship programme will include three different types of training. You will receive training while working for your employer, training from an external training provider mainly via long distance learning, and training from a cohort of advanced therapy companies who will deliver advanced therapy specific training.

Off the job learning

As part of every apprenticeship programme, your employer will support you with 20% off the job learning time for the duration of the apprenticeship. This is so you can focus on your studies, development and learning. This equates to one day per week for a full-time employee and is pro-rata for part time employees. Once formally enrolled on the programme, your chosen registered training provider will discuss this further.

Funding

You will not need to fund any part of your apprenticeship programme, expenses will be covered by your employer. During your apprenticeship you will receive at least minimum wage from your employer.

Available programmes

The following apprenticeship programmes have been established specifically within the advanced therapies industry and apprentices are currently being recruited into these roles by employer companies.

Are you interested in joining? Contact us via email at apprenticeshipsinfo@ct.catapult.org.uk

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO START AN APPRENTICESHIP
You will need to apply for a vacancy.
You can do this by visiting the gov.uk webpage at:
www.gov.uk and / or via our vacancies page

IF YOU ARE IN A ROLE THAT IS SUITABLE FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
Speak to your employer through your line manager or HR department to discuss your eligibility and how to enrol. If your employer has any queries, please encourage them to contact us at:
apprenticeshipsinfo@ct.catapult.org.uk

Find out more about apprenticeships

Will an apprenticeship work for me?

Completing an apprenticeship is an amazing achievement as this certifies your occupational competence in your studied field. To successfully achieve the programme, you will need to commit your time and energy for the duration. This may include:

  • Becoming an advocate and champion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) apprenticeships
  • Engaging with the programme and attending all aspects and events
  • Using your off the job learning time fully towards your apprenticeship
  • Networking with your fellow apprentices
  • Working independently using a computer and the internet (either at work or home)
  • Dedicating some additional time to complete assignments.

Need some more information?