Glasgow Clyde College HND Apprenticeships Case Study Special - Emma Abraham
In this case study special, we hear from Emma Abraham; Scientific Support Supervisor at Antibody Analytics, about the benefits of being part of the apprenticeship programme at Glasgow Clyde College.
The success of the programme:
The apprenticeship programme has been a great success. We generate really well-rounded members of the team as not only do they get exposed to the day-to-day aspects of the job, but they are also encouraged to expand into quality assurance aspects too. We have hired 3 excellent candidates, who all work extremely hard and do a brilliant job every day.
What motivated the decision to recruit/support technical apprentices?
As a company, Antibody Analytics decided to bring on apprentices, initially, to help recruit people into the junior scientific support role. This enables us to bring people into the biotechnology industry without the requirement of a degree and allow them to grow with the department and the the company as a whole.
How does the apprenticeship support the company aims and values?
One of the core values at Antibody Analytics is employee development. Having the apprenticeship scheme in place allows us to really focus on this value as we are always working to move the apprentices through their modules and give them a well-rounded experience. We also aim to provide a safe working environment at all times and the health and safety aspects of the apprenticeship has encouraged our apprentices to take an active role in health and safety. Two of our apprentices are fire wardens and two have passed IOSH training.
How has the apprenticeship helped to shape aspects of employee upskilling and/or company growth?
The life science apprenticeship was the first one we offered, and it proved that we could have employees in part-time education alongside the work they would need to complete in their role at Antibody Analytics. After our first apprentice successfully completed the course, we offered a part-time degree position to allow her to continue the studies she began in her apprenticeship.