An ever-growing network of industry expertise

Hear from Sophie herself in this short video by clicking here    

My name is Rushil, I am doing a degree apprenticeship with Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, London. I am studying towards a BEng in Chemical Engineering. I decided to do an apprenticeship as it provides me the opportunity to gain professional industry experience whilst studying for a degree. I enjoy the hands-on practical work most, as it complements and reinforces the knowledge learnt during my apprenticeship degree. This apprenticeship scheme is also with ATAC which has many benefits. ATAC has supported my development by arranging training sessions, providing information, and day outings on what a career in advanced therapies can provide. They offer a great insight into the industry as well as showing you what opportunities are out there for the future!      

I was 17 when I completed my 6th year at school and, through apprenticeship.scot, I found a Modern Apprenticeship with Symbiosis (based in Scotland). Further education was not attractive to me due to high student costs and uncertain employment prospects, so I was really pleased to have the opportunity of two years of work experience and an HNC in Applied Biological Sciences through day release at college. The course was very interesting and relevant my to work. I was very shy and lacking confidence when I started, but now with the help of supportive colleagues, I feel I am contributing to the Technical Team at Symbiosis. In the working environment, I have developed my communication skills along with the ability to prioritise and manage my workload. There’s a lot to learn when joining a complex industry, but with tailored on-the-job training and exposure to business, technical and quality systems, I feel I have come a long way in my understanding. ATAC has been great, too - with access to relevant and informative webinars to widen knowledge. ATAC has also set up events which have been great opportunities to learn about other companies and network with other apprentices. I have even been a panellist at industry virtual conferences designed to encourage other pharma companies to take on apprentices and, as well as experience the benefit themselves, give other young people the same opportunities as I had.

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 foundation degree in 2021 and due to graduate with bachelors 2023 as part of a level 6 laboratory scientist apprenticeship. I chose an apprenticeship because it offered the work experience and further knowledge development, I knew I would benefit from 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, knowing I have helped in some way to achieve it, is incredible.

I am an apprentice laboratory scientist within analytical development at Replimune. I’m currently completing the level 6 top-up to BSc after completing a level 5 (Fdsc) Technician Scientist apprenticeship last year, also with Replimune. I jumped at the opportunity to continue onto a level 6 apprenticeship as I get to continue to study a subject I am passionate about whilst working amongst, and learning from, a brilliant team of experienced professionals. I’m particularly enjoying the opportunity within my level 6 apprenticeship to apply the skills and experience developed at level 5: background knowledge, laboratory skills and project management experience, just to name a few. I have found the support of ATAC incredibly valuable. I attend events organised by ATAC regularly throughout the year where I can network with other apprentices and attend courses applicable to my apprenticeship. I was particularly grateful for their guidance through the end point assessment process. The ATAC has provided networking opportunities and industry experience that would not have otherwise been available to me at Replimune alone, for example tours of clean rooms and GMP manufacturing sites, and the opportunity to present at numerous high-profile events – developing my interpersonal, presentation skills and confidence. I’m so pleased that I chose to pursue an apprenticeship, over the traditional academic route, as I will achieve my BSc in applied biology with five years of industry experience under my belt. I feel that I’m well on my way to a successful career within Biological sciences thanks to my apprenticeship experience.

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!

I work at Pharmaron Gene Therapy as a scientific associate. After completion of a level 3 & level 4 apprenticeship the next logical step was for me to move onto the degree apprenticeship. The skills I have gained have already set me up for a career within the biotech industry. I would highly recommend apprenticeships to anyone looking to take a big step towards a new career, the opportunity to earn while you learn within exciting industries is unparalleled.  Why not hear from Mike himself in this short interview

I work at F-star biotechnology, a company who is working to develop novel bispecific antibodies for the treatment of cancer. An apprenticeship combines the benefits of both university and a full-time job; you gain a wealth of valuable industry experience and a degree, without any student debt. What’s great is being able to relate theoretical learning to the work that you’re doing in the company, as it really makes the topic come to life. The rest of my colleagues are passionate about their work and are very supportive and willing to take the time to explain each process, which has allowed me to quickly learn and adapt to the use of specialised scientific equipment and software. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone interested in Biosciences. Being an apprentice with ATAC has given me the opportunity to attend numerous interesting talks from industry experts and allowed me to meet other apprentices in similar roles and tour world class facilities to get a wider appreciation of the sector.

I have been working for Oxford Biomedica (OXB) since 2017, within the Analytical Services Group (ASG). My team and I interact with various departments across the business, as well as external suppliers, to support with client and internal projects. I joined the pharmaceutical industry in 2014 as a manufacturing operator and later I moved to QC. As part of my Regulatory Affairs apprenticeship, I spent two years working with the OXB Regulatory team on a part-time secondment. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Aristotle University in Greece, where I come from. In 2019, OXB offered me a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Regulatory Affairs, which I accepted without hesitation. On top of the apprenticeship, the company also agreed to cover the additional cost for completing the MSc, for which I am very grateful. The course was a perfect fit with what I wanted and needed, because it would allow me to become qualified in three years while earning a living and receiving on-the-job training. During the time of my apprenticeship, I really enjoyed working with regulatory professionals, learning about product development and regulatory strategies, as well as networking. Through being part of ATAC, I have met people from many different organisations and I have attended various webinars and online training sessions that complemented my apprenticeship. I am also very thankful they showed me the way me to obtain the level 2 English qualification with very short notice, in order to allow my entry to the apprenticeship scheme.

Hear from Lauren herself in this short video by clicking here