A new science career pathway is being praised on its six month anniversary for developing future employees in the vital sector.
Scientific professionals play a vital part in UK public and private sector organisations, yet many employers find it difficult to recruit and retain good laboratory technicians and scientists.
As a result, The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) and CCB Training created a steering group which helped develop the delivery of two industry-specific apprenticeships in laboratory work that started last September.
Six months on, the first of Level 3 and Level 5 apprentices are developing the core academic knowledge and practical skills needed by the sector.
“We have established a good working relationship with Cornwall College Group as one of our approved apprenticeships training providers,” said Jonathan Cresswell FIScT, head of apprenticeships at The University of Exeter.
“Their sites across Devon and Cornwall have allowed us to offer four Laboratory Technician and Laboratory Scientist apprenticeships at our campuses in Exeter and Penryn.
The Laboratory Technician and Laboratory Scientist apprenticeships are an alternative way in which people can forge a successful scientific career, earning while they learn.
“Cornwall College provides the essential support, both academically and administratively, that we need to be able to employ lab technician apprentices at the University campus in Penryn,” added Dr Adrian Watson, technical operations manager at The University of Exeter.
“Without the partnership between the college and the university we would not have been able to integrate lab technician apprentices into our technical support teams and have them delivering front line support to our research programmes.”
