To celebrate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February 2024), we spoke to The Open University’s (OU) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) apprentices who are working and training in the university’s labs.
Through a partnership with training provider Tiro, the OU provides the employer-led side of laboratory training on site in Milton Keynes.
The three apprentices come from a range of professional and educational backgrounds, all working to gain their apprenticeship qualification.
Joshua Summerfield
For Joshua Summerfield, who was previously a trainee Veterinary Nurse, the course’s mix of practical work and learning is hugely beneficial, ‘the balance of work and study has allowed me the chance to push myself above and beyond the apprenticeship and gain a lot of experience,’ said Joshua.
Weronika Rojek, who joined the apprenticeship course straight after finishing her A-Levels, was also attracted to the balance of learning on the job, commenting: ‘I just wanted to get stuck in and start to live my independent life. I knew the field I would eventually work in valued technical experience, so not having a degree hasn’t been a barrier.’
While at the OU, the apprentices agree that the work is varied: ‘No two days are ever the same as a laboratory
technician’, said Sneha Ravji, who joined the programme with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences. ‘My role typically includes installing, maintaining, and collecting data from the field and preparing samples for subsequent analysis.’
While studying and working can be challenging, the trio agreed that the guidance provided makes all the
Sneha Ravji
difference: ‘the best thing about being an apprentice at the OU is the community, everyone I’ve met thus far is so positive about what I’m doing and is eager to help me out best they can!’ said Weronika.
Joshua agreed that the mentors and colleagues surrounding them have been supportive throughout: ‘Working at the OU is amazing for the pool of knowledge, all staff are proud of their knowledge and willing to answer and talk in depth about what they do.’
Once their apprenticeships are finished, all three interns are looking to continue developing their scientific careers, making use of what they have learned so far: ‘When I complete my apprenticeship, I want to use all the knowledge and skills as a foundation for my career in the science industry,’ said’ Sneha.
When asked what they would say to prospective apprentices, all three were encouraging, with Weronika commenting ‘if you are considering applying for an apprenticeship, do it!’
‘The effort that you put into what you do for the apprenticeship will truly reflect on what you are able to get out. It’s not a race, work and study at your own pace but motivate yourself to put in what you can as it will help you to feel confident with the roles and tasks you will find yourself doing,’ said Joshua.
Sneha added: ‘embarking on an apprenticeship can be an incredibly rewarding journey, both personally and professionally. It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application and I would encourage anyone to take that step.’
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2024 is the 17th annual celebration of apprenticeships. You can find out more about apprenticeships on offer at the OU on the website.
