Ali is a final-year Laboratory Technician Apprentice. He is undertaking Imperial’s Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Scheme, a 28-month programme aligned to the level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship standard.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I was attracted to apprenticeships because I prefer a practical learning route and I wanted to earn while learning and gain real laboratory experience at a leading STEM university. But choosing to do an apprenticeship wasn’t an easy choice, and I had concerns like how I would have time to study while working a full-time job and whether starting a job at 18 years old was too young. However, after some reflection, I took the step to do an apprenticeship, and all of my worries were resolved- my workplace has supported me in my studies by providing 1-1 coaching and one day of study leave each week (and more if required) to spend on my assignments and learning. This apprenticeship has given me a great opportunity to learn at a leading level university and experience what a job can be like, and many other apprenticeships offer this experience.
What does a typical day look like?
A usual day can start by reading through my emails and any training requests for equipment, followed by going into the lab and switching on equipment so it is ready for the users. Other times, I may have to assist with unexpected matters such as a special waste collection due to hazardous chemicals being found or assisting with deliveries of liquid nitrogen cryovessels and dry ice. Towards the end of the day, I log my learning from the day onto my apprenticeship provider’s learning journal, along with the learning hours, as I am required to undertake a minimum of 6 hours weekly.
What new skills have you gained?
I have gained practical laboratory skills such as tissue culture and mass spectrometry. I have also learnt to write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). My communication skills have grown, as has my confidence in a professional setting. Throughout my time at Imperial, I have come across different types of laboratories from chemical to biological, and this helped me learn many skills and techniques. I learned about tissue culture during my time in the Department of Bioengineering, which is a great technique and very interesting for me, maintaining cells and monitoring their growth. Another skill I have learnt, which is essential in most labs, is health and safety awareness, and being aware of any possible safety risk to be able to work safely. As part of my apprenticeship, I have done numerous presentation assignments, and I was always supported by my line managers and had a great number of practice runs, which helped me to manage my nerves when presenting in front of a large group of people.
What has been the most rewarding part of the apprenticeship so far?
Growing in the first steps of my professional career has been very rewarding. The apprenticeship has allowed me to improve my interpersonal skills by interacting with others above my age group. Another rewarding aspect of the job is being trusted with more responsibility over time, as it gives you the feeling that you are trusted and deemed suitable. During my time on the apprenticeship, I have had the chance to take part in multiple outreach events, which has brought me a lot of satisfaction by supporting and offering advice to younger students who are seeking a career in laboratory sciences. In addition, the feeling I experience when I provide support to Imperial researchers and students is amazing because of the meaningful work carried out by them.
What advice would you give to somebody considering this route?
I would encourage others to be curious and brave enough to ask questions. I have only learned laboratory techniques and other skills to an expert level when I have been curious and asked questions of others. To build confidence, I would also encourage others to go to outreach events in schools and careers fairs, as this has really helped me to get the feeling of being where I wanted to be in life. Choosing an apprenticeship has made me realize how valuable hands-on experience is, especially at a leading science university, and I have had the chance to experience cutting-edge technology and highly specialized equipment. Apprenticeships are a great entry point into a long-term career from what I have experienced.