Want to know what apprenticeships are really like? We asked our community for their experiences and opinions. So if you’re wondering if an apprenticeship is right for you, or your business, why not see what they have to say…

Apprentice testimonials

  • Sophie Lamb

    GSK

    Advanced Therapies Scientist

    Level 5
    Meet Sophie
  • Meet the ATAC Apprentices

    ATAC

    Level
    Meet The ATAC Apprentices
  • Rushil Patel

    Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult

    Apprentice Engineer

    Level 6
    Meet Rushil
  • Fiona Buchanan-Winch

    Symbiosis

    Modern Apprentice

    Level 7
    Meet Fiona
  • Lara Devenish

    Autolus

    Advanced Therapies Scientist

    Level 5
    Meet Lara
  • Emily Bird

    Replimune

    Apprentice Laboratory Scientist

    Level 6
    Meet Emily
  • Nafisa Rahman

    Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

    Advanced Therapies Scientist

    Level 5
    Meet Nafisa
  • Mike Devey

    Pharmaron Gene Therapy

    Advanced Therapies Scientist

    Level 6
    Meet Mike
  • Theo Levine

    F-star

    Technician Scientist

    Level 5
    Meet Theo
  • Ksenia Sitara

    Oxford BioMedica

    QC Team Lead

    Level 7
    Meet Ksenia
  • Lauren Howe

    NHS Blood and Transplant

    Advanced Therapies Scientist

    Level 5
    Meet Lauren
  • Join us on LinkedIn to discover more about our community, connect with apprentices across all of our programmes and keep up-to-date with their progress. linkedin

Sophie Lamb

GSK

Advanced Therapies Scientist

Level 5
Hear from Sophie herself in this short video by clicking here    
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Meet the ATAC Apprentices

ATAC

Level
Hear from the ATAC Apprentices by clicking here
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Rushil Patel

Cell & Gene Therapy Catapult

Apprentice Engineer

Level 6
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!      
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Fiona Buchanan-Winch

Symbiosis

Modern Apprentice

Level 7
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.
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Lara Devenish

Autolus

Advanced Therapies Scientist

Level 5
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.
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Emily Bird

Replimune

Apprentice Laboratory Scientist

Level 6
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.
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Nafisa Rahman

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

Advanced Therapies Scientist

Level 5
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!
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Mike Devey

Pharmaron Gene Therapy

Advanced Therapies Scientist

Level 6
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
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Theo Levine

F-star

Technician Scientist

Level 5
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.
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Ksenia Sitara

Oxford BioMedica

QC Team Lead

Level 7
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.
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Lauren Howe

NHS Blood and Transplant

Advanced Therapies Scientist

Level 5
Hear from Lauren herself in this short video by clicking here    
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Employer testimonials

Mel Harper

NHS Blood and Transplant

Apprenticeship Lead

It is our very clear intention to recruit more valuable and enthusiastic new starters at Level 3 and Level 5 each year. We wouldn’t have had the same experience without our involvement with ATAC. We have an excellent apprenticeship team at NHSBT, made all the more effective and impactful by the association with the ATAC community. We thank everyone involved with ATAC for their continued support and their expansion of programmes each year to meet more and more skills needs.Close

Callum Watson

RoslinCT

Head of People

ATAC have been an amazing resource for RoslinCT and have helped to ensure that our apprenticeship journey has went smoothly at every step of the way. The ATAC team have been readily available to provide support, opportunities to meet other businesses in similar situations and ultimately enhance our apprentices’ experience. They are proactive at organising events for apprentices and employers, which are always well worth attending.Close

Tracy Millard

Autolus

HR Director

Autolus were first introduced to the benefits of apprenticeships within the Cell and Gene industry back in 2018 by ATAC, when we recruited our first two apprentices as Technical Scientists under the apprenticeship scheme. We decided to take on apprentices as we view apprenticeships as a productive and effective way to grow talent and to also have the ability to adapt the training to the needs of the business, as well as an opportunity for Autolus colleagues to share their industry knowledge and skills with future talent. There is also an opportunity for the apprentices to bring a different perspective to the teams they work in and to grow with us on our journey here at Autolus. We have found our apprentice’s to be motivated to learn new skills and grow and develop with the business. We are also planning to use apprenticeships to upskill our existing staff to ensure we continue to invest in our people to develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. For Autolus we have found the benefits of having apprentices is motivated employees, with a strong sense of loyalty,  who feel valued and committed for the long term through development of skills over several years.Close

Neil Metson

Replimune

Facilities Manager

Hear a short video from Neil by clicking hereClose

Colin Stretch

Oxford BioMedica

Supervisor

More and more, we are seeing people learn in different ways. An apprenticeship gives a way for people to achieve a recognised qualification without sacrificing their job and the experience gained in the workplace. It helps both the business and the individual to develop, and the reward for both parties is greater than either first imagined. The main benefits of a workplace apprenticeship include employee engagement, talent development, bringing in knowledge from TOPRA and other businesses, and inspiring others to achieve.  In terms of challenges, they are mainly logistically or organisationally related. Although the scheme is well planned and communicated, it does require organisation from the apprentice and the line manager. It takes effort, but that makes the achievement that much more special. I strongly recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone who wants to further develop their career. I think some people might fear the commitment and the length of the apprenticeship, but I think achieving an MSc in just a few years is great. Since the business has committed to your success, too, it will help you with discussions about your development.Close

Linda Randall

Pharmaron

Associate Vice President

We have supported apprentices for several years at Pharmaron Biologics and are absolutely thrilled to be involved in this innovative program to develop the skills we rely upon to successfully develop gene therapy products for our customers.  The ATAC scheme means we can access carefully selected academic providers and specifically designed courses for Advanced Therapies and our apprentices gain a much broader experience through the network of UK companies involved in the community.   We have been able to take entry level apprentices and develop them through to degree qualified employees and more recently are accessing apprenticeships to upskill our technical team members, for example in senior level leadership and data science.   Each year we host the GMP module for the technical apprentices at our site, sharing our experience of GMP manufacturing of advanced therapies and showing them around our GMP manufacturing facility to see first hand how these products are made.Close

Sheena Pumford

Cobra Biologics

HR Director

Apprenticeships within the ATMP sector allow employers to recruit, train and develop individuals with direct skills required in the industry. This allows apprentices to gain a broader understanding of the science industry, enhancing their employment experience whilst gaining a valuable qualification.Close
Cobra

Training provider testimonials

Claire Newton

Smart Training & Recruitment

Senior Business Development Consultant

Smart Training & Recruitment are extremely proud to be the chosen Training Provider, partnering with ATAC, on the successful delivery of a wide range of Apprenticeship qualifications from levels 2 – 5 for the last 18 months.

We deliver qualifications across a range of suites, such as Leadership & Management, Continual Improvement, Education & Training, Business Admin, Customer Service, HR & Payroll, and Manufacturing and Logistics.  

This invaluable opportunity allows us to discuss delivery of a wide variety of training options with the employers from the ATAC network, and promote the benefits of Apprenticeship programs including upskilling existing members of staff, adding to an existing knowledge and skills base, and earning a nationally recognised qualification to aid CPD activities.

The support and networking opportunities we can be a part of, through our partnership with ATAC is incredible, and allows us to work a lot more closely with employers and individuals within the bioprocessing sector, all of whom have a strong belief and investment in Learning and Development planning, for their teams.

 

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Danny Ho

CSR Scientific Training

Director

CSR Scientific Training are delighted to be the chosen provider for the delivery of Laboratory Technician, Science Manufacturing Technician and Quality Practitioner apprenticeship standards.  We are proud to have a partner in ATAC who have played a huge role in bringing together like-minded employers in the advanced therapies sector and through this network, we have been able to work with employers who have all experienced first hand the benefits of apprenticeships for their organisations.  Close

Kenny Moffat

University of Strathclyde

Course Director

The University of Strathclyde have been delivering Degree Apprenticeships, in partnership with ATAC, since 2020, to meet the future development needs of the Advanced Therapies sector. Apprentices study for a BEng honours in Chemical Engineering, as part of the SIPPE (Science Industry Plant and Process Engineer) Degree Apprenticeship Standard. Although apprentices will graduate with a BEng honours in Chemical Engineering, the apprenticeship is much more than that, and graduating students will also be able to evidence a range of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours, that they learn in their role with an ATAC employer. The ATAC organisation adds value beyond the employer/university relationship that is required by the apprenticeship standard, though ATAC training, support and networking experiences, that bring together the combined experience of organisations in this sector. Apprentices on this programme will not only graduate with an IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) accredited BEng honours degree, but on their first day as a graduate they will already have 5 years of relevant engineering experience evidenced by their Degree Apprenticeship award.  Close

Alanna Robertson

Forth Valley College

Apprenticeship Officer

Forth Valley College (FVC) of Further and Higher Education are training provider for the delivery of the Laboratory and Associated Technician Activities Apprenticeship and proud to have a partner in ATAC who have played a huge role in bringing together employers in the scientific sector, through this network, we have been able to work with key employers who have all experienced first hand the benefits of apprenticeships for their organisations.  Close

Samantha Cooper

TOPRA

Head of Professional Development

The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA) is delighted to be delivering the Regulatory Affairs Specialist apprenticeship standard as part of its mission to develop the talent pipeline and promote excellence in healthcare regulatory affairs.Close

Betty Johnson

University of Kent

Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

The University of Kent are proud to partner with ATAC in our delivery of the ATMP programme in line with the Technician Scientist apprenticeship standard. Working with ATAC, we are able to ensure each apprentice graduates with the knowledge, skills and behaviours that meets the needs of the Advanced Therapies sector. Utilising ATAC’s support, training and networking events, our apprentices and employers are able to gain additional skills in advanced therapies that address the skills shortages and needs of the advanced therapies community.Close

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