“I have always had great admiration for women in STEM careers and now I am in that position myself”
My first dream job was to be a vet – this was quickly vetoed after my sister told me where my hands would end up! After I finished my A-Levels, I spent some time working in retail as a visual merchandiser and then working in the food industry helping to develop new food-to-go products. After realising that I wasn’t enjoying my job, I left in search of a science-based role.
Apprenticeships have always appealed to me because I like the hybrid approach of learning and working. Before I came across this apprenticeship, I didn’t think it was possible for me to access a role like this without a degree.
As an apprentice bioengineering technician, my role is varied, and every day is different. I am constantly learning new things and putting them into practice.
I have learnt a great deal so far including aseptic technique and tissue culture, learning how to use and carry out maintenance on different equipment, and helping in the teaching labs supporting undergraduate students. I also give inductions on certain equipment to fellow staff and students. Some days are very reactive, and I have to deal with equipment malfunctions and things going wrong in the lab. Fortunately this doesn’t happen often, although I must admit I like the change of pace – just don’t tell my manager!
I have always had great admiration for women in STEM careers and now I am in that position myself. As a young woman I am honoured to be able to fly the flag and hopefully inspire other young women to pursue a career in science and engineering.
I am just over six months into my apprenticeship, and I am loving every second of it. I feel like my love for my job comes across and I have received some excellent feedback so far. After taking some slides of skin samples which I had cut and stained to a demonstration of a brand-new microscope by Leica (world leaders in microscopy), I was asked to make another slide for them to use for future demonstrations. I must admit it was an incredibly proud moment.
When I am not engrossed in the world of science, I spend my time following my cat around the house (I’m only partially joking) and travelling to different worlds via the pages of a good book. I also enjoy going to the gym and heading out to explore the countryside.