The first trainees from Ocean Ecology’s initial venture into the apprenticeship scheme have qualified as Level 3 Laboratory Technicians.
Initially nine apprentices joined the scheme in 2023 to work and train in Gloucester and Plymouth and the first six have now qualified. Five have taken up positions with the company while one is moving away from the area with her family. Three more are still completing their schemes.
“The first thing to say is congratulations to our first trainees,” said Head of Corporate Services Amy Read.
“We had loads of applicants for the apprenticeship scheme and the nine chosen came from a range of backgrounds.
“Some had A-levels, others GCSEs, one had a degree and they ranged in age from 18-30. Some of them hadn’t initially considered a career in science but the one thing they all had in common was that they showed real enthusiasm for what we do and how they would be contributing.
“They settled in very well. Each quickly became part of the team. They had some very good mentors here looking after them and helping them learn and they received good support from their tutors.
“Overall, the scheme has been a real success and we’ll certainly consider doing it again in the future.”
The inside view of Ocean Ecology’s Lab Technician Level 3 apprenticeship
Lewis Tams, 27, had originally trained in IT and had worked in hospitality and retail among other things as he searched for the right career.
“I enjoyed science at school but had never really considered it as a career,” he said.
“When I was searching for jobs this apprenticeship with Ocean Ecology came up and at first, I ignored it. But it kept coming up so I thought about it and decided to check it out.
“The moment I walked in through the door here in the Gloucester office, I knew it was right for me. The people were so friendly, everyone was helpful and I could see I’d enjoy the work. And it’s a beautiful location, right next to the River Severn. It was just what I was looking for.”
Mackenzie Harrod, 20, grew up not far from the Gloucester office and had enjoyed science at school but not so much Biology.
“I studied Triple Science and it was Chemistry I loved most,” he explained.
“Physics was good too but Biology – there was just too much to remember, so I wasn’t as keen.
“But the role sounded interesting so I applied for it and again, as soon as I had a look around here, I knew it was for me. And now that I’m working here, I find I can remember all that detail. I was sent on a training course about Marine Invertebrates and Ecology which was very helpful. And people here have shown me patterns and what to look for. It all makes sense to me when I learn it this way.
“I’ve made loads of notes and written it all up in a booklet that sits on the shelf in the lab and hopefully, that will help other people when they start in this role too.”
Both agree it’s not what they’d consider a traditional lab technician’s role.
“You work both inside and outside and while there’s a lot to learn and you’ve got to get the work done, there is a lot of freedom to explore different opportunities,” said Lewis.
“I said I was interested in going out on a boat with a survey team. Of course, there’s lots of training needed to do that, so I did my sea survival course with them and got my certificate. It’s where you start.
“Generally, if you show you’re interested in something here, they encourage you to have a go.”
And both agree on the kind of person suited to the apprenticeship role at Ocean Ecology.
“You need a strong work ethic, you’ve got to be willing to learn and you’ve got to be able to manage your time,” said Lewis.
“It’s not like learning science at school so, as long as you’ve got an open mind, it’s really worth considering it,” explained Mackenzie.
“Once you’ve got the apprenticeship, you’ve got a qualification that will help you work in labs all over the country. But here, at Ocean Ecology, there is a career pathway and if you’re interested, they really encourage you.”
“I think, in a few years’ time, I’d like to be in a position where I can help other people coming into this role, just as everyone here has helped me,” added Lewis.
