Glasgow Clyde College HND Apprenticeships Case Study Special - Samantha Birrell

In this case study special, we’re talking with former HND students who have completed their HND and apprenticeship at Glasgow Clyde College with Antibody Analytics and are now progressing their careers. In this case study, we meet Samantha Birrell; Junior Scientific Support Operative at Antibody Analytics

What motivated you to join the HND course and to apply for the technical apprenticeship programme:

When I decided to go back into education after working full time in the service industry, I decided I wanted to go to Glasgow Clyde College as this was the closest college to home. When I was browsing for courses in the life sciences sector, I stumbled across the HND Industrial Biotechnology course. As I was gathering information about the course, I saw that there was opportunity to also apply for a technical apprenticeship to complete whilst study. As a mature student I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to gain employment in my preferred field whilst studying so I choose the HND Biotechnology course with the intention of getting a technical apprenticeship position. Being able to gain experience working in a lab whilst studying also helped me during my studying as I was able to put the skills, I was learning in college to use at work and vice versa.

What were the highlights of your studies and training at Antibody Analytics?

The highlights for me having been developing my skills and knowledge as a scientist. I remember sitting in on my first team meeting and not understanding any of the jargon or terms which were being used to discuss the topics at hand. Now, I not only understand them, but I am able to contribute to discussion and help come up with new ideas for improvement. It's crazy to think back how far I’ve come in the past 2 years; I’ve even been promoted within that time!

How has completion of the technical apprenticeship benefitted you personally and/or professionally?

The biggest benefit I have taken away from my apprenticeship would be my boost in confidence. Having to give presentations to the company and being able to train people has really pushed me out of my comfort zone which has helped me both in my professional and personal life. The apprenticeship has also helped me develop new skills which I probably wouldn’t have explored so soon if it wasn’t part of my modules. For example, the implantation of new pieces of equipment, writing risk assessments, completing my IOSH course, these are all things that my apprenticeship has helped me accomplish.

What are your next career steps? 

In the future I would like to take part in a part time degree course studying biochemistry and immunology. I would also like to eventually become a Senior Scientific Support Operative.

Ciara Kyne; Lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College, adds:

Multidisciplinary talent underpins innovation and growth in the life sciences and biotechnology industries. Key to this, are courses such as the HND Industrial Biotechnology, which offer cross-disciplinary education spanning chemistry, biology, and their applied branches such as chemical engineering and biotechnology. The Technical Apprenticeship, of which the HND is an intrinsic element, has provided our learners with hands-on industry training and contextualised learning opportunities. In addition to expanding our links to industry, it has provided additional approaches to explore learner and employer needs, helping us to maintain a demand-led curriculum and an excellent student experience. We are proud of our strong, symbiotic working relationship with Antibody Analytics.

John Rafferty: Vice Principal for Curriculum at Glasgow Clyde College, says:

“Our college celebrates its 10th birthday this year, having merged Langside, Anniesland and Cardonald College in 2013 and acquired staff and curriculum from the former Stow College in 2015.  In that time our science department has grown significantly and we are now the largest college provider of science courses in the West of Scotland. Our excellent staff make employer engagement a priority, both to enrich learning for our students and to collaborate on learning solutions for their workforce.  10 years ago we had almost no employer links in science and today Antibody Analytics are just one of many large and small companies we work with to deliver apprenticeships and to supply with our most promising students.”