An ever-growing network of Industry expertise

The level 5 and 6 apprenticeships have let me work towards a degree and 5 years of experience in a unique industry. Without the apprenticeship option, I don’t think I would have pursued further education at all. On top of this, the years of lab work, meetings, and getting to know people in the field should give me a great advantage in my career after completing the course.  

Since I started my apprenticeship, I have rotated teams around my department, assisting on various client studies. This has involved hands-on experience in analytical assays, upstream and downstream processes, innovation projects and general lab technician duties. This has not only provided me with the same skills as my colleagues but has opened up different career opportunities within the biopharmaceutical sector, all whilst not having to worry about a student debt! I would recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone as it provides invaluable experiences throughout.

As part of my role in Production Team at the Clinical BioManufacturing Facility, I contribute to the manufacture of vaccines for early phase clinical trials. One of my key responsibilities has been the filtration and filling of our final drug products inside our isolator. Since we are a small facility, I really enjoy the opportunity to collaborate and learn from different departments. For instance, as part of my apprenticeship project, I was involved in the development of NGS and PCR assays, which are not typically part of my routine tasks. Beyond my work, my apprenticeship has opened up incredible opportunities for outreach and growth. I’ve had the privilege to share my apprenticeship journey with students in schools, career fairs and in the radio! One of the most memorable highlights was attending sessions at the House of Lords and The Royal Society in London to discuss my role as an apprentice during COVID-19. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to attend the Global Young Scientist Summit in Singapore, and learn about different science disciplines and broaden my perspective as a young scientist. I chose to complete an apprenticeship as it gave me the opportunity to learn through practical, hands-on experiences, while also receiving theory from the training providers. The combination of theory and practice has been beneficial for my development, allowing me to advance from a Level 3 to a Level 6 apprenticeship. Balancing my apprenticeship with work was challenging at times, however, since the beginning of my apprenticeship I’ve had very supportive line managers and work colleagues, that ensured I had enough time to complete all my apprenticeship work, allowing for extra time when needed.

I work for Autolus, a biopharmaceutical company specialising in CAR T Cell therapy for cancer patients. I studied Bioscience at the University of Kent, graduating with a foundation degree in 2021, and continued my studies on the level 6 laboratory scientist apprenticeship, graduating with a bachelor’s degree with honours in 2024. Since then, I have progressed onto my third apprenticeship: Level 7 Research Scientist, that I started in 2025.   I chose an apprenticeship because it offered work experience and further knowledge development, I knew I would benefit from that in addition to university. When working within the industry, you are surrounded by experts within the field, therefore always learning and challenging yourself, whilst making a difference for the patients as well as the research and development of a new treatment.  ATAC has helped support learning and development, including organising events to visit companies within the science sector, so students can learn about what else the industry has to offer whilst tying it in with university studies, making it relevant to aid further understanding as well as prepare for EPA.  What I have enjoyed about my apprenticeship is the impact I have had on the company as well as the patients. To know that patients have gone into remission and therefore have more time with family and friends due to the treatment we provide is a rewarding feeling. I also joined Autolus when it was a very small company, and to see it expand over the seven years I have worked there, knowing I have helped in some way to achieve it, is incredible.