If a few months ago you were to ask me what position I would see myself in, I would not have predicted this.
An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes a learning and working opportunity for people aged 16 and above. It can provide you with the opportunity to gain job-related skills, off-the-job training and to work alongside experienced staff members. Everyone’s experiences at an apprenticeship are bound to be different and it sure did affect the way I was originally living.
It’s such a major step up from high school; there are unfamiliar people, an alternative environment, and a serene atmosphere. It wasn’t an easy decision at first; there was doubt in my mind as it was something new to me and way out of my comfort zone. Yet as I travel to the Liverpool-based labs and offices every day, I am glad I took that leap of faith and decided to pursue this apprenticeship with BioGrad Education.
It has been just over a month since I started the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship at The BioGrad Group in Liverpool, and I have settled down well. I believe this is a wonderful place to start and enable me to gain many professional experiences throughout my journey. Initially, I had ‘first-time nerves’ which everyone is bound to relate to! However, I was able to overcome this within my first couple of days, as I was already set with tasks to do.
Many reading this may be thinking ‘Wouldn’t that be overwhelming?’, due to the fact I’ve only just started my first ever real job at 16 years old, yet it was quite the opposite. Everyone was so welcoming, which was such a great feeling! Even though we are in a professional environment, it doesn’t mean that the room we are in has to be dull- as it’s far from what people make it out to be (especially in movies)! The people I’m surrounded by, are optimistic and are always eager to dive into the day’s tasks with a positive mentality, no matter how challenging it may be for the individual. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues, as I know their mindset, experience and persona will motivate me to work to the best of my ability and reach my highest potential throughout my journey.
‘What led me to this decision?’ you may ask yourself. Well, I chose an apprenticeship, as it provides me with the opportunity to get hands-on experience while being able to gain a worthwhile qualification. The role of Laboratory Technician stood out to me as it means learning a variety of lab skills such as aseptic techniques, dilutions and microbiology. These skills overlap with my desired career path in forensic pathology. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain familiarity with these laboratory skills as they can aid me in the future. An apprenticeship also allows me to acquire valuable industry experience, broaden my scientific knowledge and develop hard and soft skills in the profession which enhances my CV, increasing my employability in the future!
Within the first few weeks, my highlights have been working alongside the brilliant scientists at BioGrad. It was fascinating to be involved so closely with all the scientists with different skilled backgrounds and get an insight into their profession. At BioGrad, I had the opportunity to participate in lab skills, biotechnology, and mammalian cell culture bootcamps, which I found very enjoyable. It has been such an informative, captivating and surreal experience to be working with high-tech kit. It has aided my skills that are needed for my role and my knowledge in the scientific industry. In addition, I’ve already broadened my knowledge of several facets of microbiology and biotechnology as well as my proficiency in the laboratory.
So, was coming out of my comfort zone worth it? 100% !!
The short time I’ve spent here has already helped me grow personally in various aspects. My confidence has built up immensely, simply by being given duties, responsibilities and tasks. My independence has massively increased through travelling from Manchester to Liverpool. It gives me the ability to take more control of my life and gain more understanding of my values and long-term goals.
If I had to give a piece of advice to anybody else wanting to pursue an apprenticeship or even a new opportunity in general, even though it may feel daunting, take that leap of faith!
When you stumble across opportunities, simply take advantage of them, and put yourself in a position where you can reap the benefits. Sometimes it’s ok to have doubts about unfamiliarity, as your life can’t progress without changes and new experiences being made. I’m excited to see what the future holds at BioGrad and can’t wait to see how much I grow while on my journey as an apprentice!
