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.''  

Meet Lara, Level 7 Research Scientist - Autolus 

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.    

Meet Izzy, Chemical Engineering Degree Apprentice on the Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer (Degree) Level 6 Apprenticeship, GSK

Why did you choose to pursue an apprenticeship within pharma? I never knew what I wanted to do when I was in Sixth Form. All I knew is that I wanted a career where I contributed to improving people’s lives. I was always interested in science and maths but applied to university for Environmental Science as I was not very informed of other opportunities other than university. I came across my current apprenticeship on GSK’s website and their values aligned with mine so I thought I would be a good fit for the company. I did not know much about Chemical Engineering until after the interview process, but I can now confidently say this role encompasses all I have been looking for in starting my career; science, maths and contributing to improving people’s lives through manufacturing medicines.   How has ATAC supported your development? ATAC have a clear understanding of each specific apprenticeship standard along with organising various free events for apprentices where these requirements can be fulfilled. For me, these events have been extremely diverse: health and safety courses, visiting advanced therapies research centres, being on panels for National Apprenticeship Week and political conferences. All improving my knowledge and skills in various areas. ATAC’s Lunch and Learn sessions are also amazing. People from all over the industry talk about their career pathways. It is a brilliant opportunity to think more about what to do after my apprenticeship and the challenges/ decisions I may face.   What has been the most rewarding or interesting project that you have been involved in and why? It is impossible just to pick one due to my role having so much variety. I have been involved in solving deviations to enable antibiotics to be sent to patients on time, raising awareness of process safety hazards to senior leadership employees on-site, leading a group of over 200 early careerists called ChemTalent, projects that control the effects of potential explosions and problem-solving to improve the efficiency and profit of our manufacturing process to mention a few. There are unique learnings and rewards in everything!   What would you say to someone who is thinking of pursuing an apprenticeship in advanced therapies? Be as informed as possible before making your decision. The advanced therapies and pharmaceutical sector have so many opportunities to offer. You can get so much experience, your degree paid for, a salary, annual leave and an early start in growing your professional network. There are many apprenticeship routes other than science or engineering within the sector so do your research- you may be surprised! If you would like to experience innovation and problem-solving, this is the perfect place to start.   You relocated twice for your roles at GSK. These were big decisions, what advice would you give people in the same situation? How did ATAC support you in building your network? If someone else is wondering whether to relocate for an apprenticeship, I would say go for it! It has been a great learning experience for me. If your employer is offering more experience, an opportunity to broaden your network and technical skills then why wouldn’t you? I look at it as a chance to trial different environments to make a more informed decision of where I would like to work in the future. My apprenticeship experience has been maximised by relocating. Being the first apprentice of my kind within GSK, I found it difficult to come across anyone that understood everything I was experiencing. When ATAC reached out to me, I was introduced to multiple people on similar apprenticeships to me, expanding my network and support system. This has also opened my eyes to what opportunities are available outside of the pharmaceutical sector and in advanced therapies with my degree/ and experience. ATAC reaches across the whole country. I know wherever I go I will always have them as a constant pillar of support which is comforting.   How have you progressed in your career since starting your apprenticeship? Over the past three years, I have been involved in a variety of projects, problem-solving, process safety work and work outside of stereotypical process engineering. I have had experience on a primary and secondary manufacturing site and may even have some biopharma/ R&D experience within the last years of my apprenticeship. I am now at a stage where I am almost treated as a full-time employee; being given independence and responsibility with work but  also still having the extra support system available to me at all times if needed. With off-the-job learning (heavily supported by ATAC), my network and softer skills have developed massively. Especially, gratefully being given CIA’s Young Ambassador of the Year 2022, I have been given opportunities I never expected starting my apprenticeship in 2020. I cannot recommend an apprenticeship within this sector enough!   What are your future plans? First, I plan to finish my apprenticeship in 2025 with a Chemical Engineering degree! After that, I have no plans set in stone. I hope I will constantly broaden and deepen my knowledge and skills in whatever I do. I would perhaps like to see what work opportunities lie further afield than the UK.