NHSScotland Careers
01 March 2024
•2 min read
Scottish Apprenticeship Week
For Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Jack shares his Modern Apprenticeship experience.
Jack's story
Jack loved studying Biology and Chemistry at school. He liked the idea of working in a laboratory but wasn’t sure where to start. Find out how a Modern Apprenticeship is helping him towards his dream job of becoming a biomedical scientist.
Discovering a career in healthcare science
At school, Jack was unsure which career path to take. He studied National 5 Biology and Higher Chemistry, which gave him a good base-level scientific knowledge.
Jack was interested in a science career where he could make a difference. When he finished school, his Jobcentre Plus work coach helped him find a work-based training programme.
During the 6-month programme, Jack was lucky enough to get some experience working in a hospital lab. He then applied to do a Life Sciences and Related Science Industries Modern Apprenticeship with NHS Lothian.
Jack’s Life Sciences and Related Science Industries Modern Apprenticeship
Jack is a modern apprentice assistant practitioner in life sciences. He goes to college one day per week and works in the hospital laboratory or does his college assignments the rest of the time.
The Modern Apprenticeship is helping Jack gain an HNC in Applied Sciences at SCQF level 7. Jack is also getting valuable work experience and is supported by his manager, colleagues, and the laboratory training team.
Working in the hospital laboratory
Jack works in a hospital lab, receiving and processing biological samples and logging them into the computer system. He takes calls from GPs, doctors, and nurses in the hospital, who may want to request more tests on a sample or confirm test results.
During his shift, Jack also keeps the laboratory clean and tidy and helps keep the equipment in good working order.
The modern apprentice explained, “It’s a great feeling knowing I’m helping to process samples as efficiently as possible so patients can get an accurate diagnosis.”
When the lab is busy, or Jack is working a weekend or back shift, he needs to use initiative and critical thinking skills. This helps the workflow in the lab to run smoothly, so that biological samples are processed on time.
Find out more about the role of an assistant practitioner in life sciences.
Why you should consider a Modern Apprenticeship
Jack says the Modern Apprenticeship is giving him the opportunity to expand his knowledge of biomedical science. He has improved his communication skills and become more confident, which will also help him in his future science career journey.
Jack added: “I recommend doing a Modern Apprenticeship to others. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and learn work-based skills that can help you get the job you want. It’s already helping me take a step closer to my career goal of becoming a registered biomedical scientist.”
Scotland’s skills generation
Scottish apprenticeships are fuelling Scotland’s skills generation, creating a skilled workforce for now and the future.
Find out how a Modern Apprenticeship can help you succeed in life and work.