The advanced apprenticeship attracted my interest as it offered an amazing opportunity to earn qualifications, and money, whilst gaining a quality experience in the workplace. I was completing my A levels when I submitted my application for an apprenticeship with TDR. Once I was accepted, I decided to forego immediately going to University. Instead I opted to take on my placement at TDR as their apprentice lab technician. I knew that the skills I would gain from working in a laboratory for an extended period would enhance my chances of attaining a job after graduating from university.
I had not held a job before beginning my time at TDR. It was often commented that I was shy and withdrawn at school, though I was otherwise a good student. I have come a long way since then. It has been 18 months since I started at TDR and I am much more comfortable in social situations. I can comfortably ask questions of my college lecturers and feel relatively at ease holding conversations with people I've never met before. Working in a professional company, like TDR, brings you into contact with a whole range of people. You can find yourself in all kinds of different situations. For example, I have participated in science team meetings, taken minutes, completed practical demonstrations for students, ordered stock from companies for the lab as well as the office and helped to interview prospective students.
All of the experiences I have had have given me a higher level of self-confidence and maturity. I have met a lot of wonderful people and further developed my scientific knowledge through my work in the laboratory as well as my BTEC qualification. I am now much more assured of my future; I know what I want to do and how to get there. I have gained the qualifications necessary for me to go to
2nd Year Advanced Apprentice
Educational