Lexie Scott, Laboratory Technician apprentice with TTE, is beginning her career with Calysta to excel in her favourite field whilst gaining an accredited qualification.
Lexie tells us: “I have always had an interest in sciences but never knew you could complete a Laboratory Technician apprenticeship until I saw an advert from Northern Skills on social media about the Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation to TTE’s Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. After looking at a few different roles I stumbled across this vacancy with Calysta and immediately thought- that’s the one for me!
“My apprenticeship has been different to what I expected, but in a good way. I have just finished my first year and have already experienced and learnt so much.
“I really enjoy working with Calum on different projects and processes, no two days are the same here, so I am always learning something new with the team. One of my favourite things to do is to help build the 10-litre fermenter which we have here in the lab, at first, I found this so confusing but I have grown to enjoy creating it.”
After only a year in the role, Lexie is already making a lasting impact on Calysta, proving herself to be a crucial part of the growing international team.
Calum McNerney, Associate Fermentation Scientist at Calysta, comments on Lexie’s success: “We have been so impressed with Lexie already, she takes her own initiative to complete tasks and doesn’t need prompting to get on with her work.
“We recommend taking on apprentices to all businesses, big or small. Not only do they benefit our business by bridging skills gaps, they kickstart a young person’s career in their chosen field. It’s a great way to give back to young people of your area, helping them gain practical experience and a qualification at the same time.”
TTE were awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation in late 2021 and are only the 4th education provided in the country to gain the accreditation. This accreditation in an independent external marker of a high-quality programme, allowing employers and learners alike to study at the highest standard through TTE.
Jamie Hunter, apprenticeship assessor from Middlesbrough College Group, says: “We are a year in with our journey with Calysta on the Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship and it has been fantastic to work with Lexie and her supportive colleagues to see the progress in her skills, knowledge and behaviours that we can directly link to the standard.
“With our accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry we have also been able to progress Lexie through the additional qualifications that will allow her to be recognised with a professional registration when her apprenticeship is completed.”
Lexie continues: “I would absolutely recommend this apprenticeship programme to anyone, especially if you have an interest in science. The programme has been extremely engaging, and I enjoy talking to my College classmates about their work tasks to grow my knowledge even further!”
