Life as an apprentice at Harwell This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2014, so we decided to take little time to reflect on our own apprenticeships here at MRC Harwell, and our apprentices’ thoughts on their experience. This year National Apprenticeship Week started on 3 March. The idea behind it is to raise the profile of apprenticeships amongst individuals, employers, teachers, parents and the media, and this year is marks the seventh year it has been running. We believe that apprenticeships play a vital role in getting young people into work and can be hugely advantageous to both the apprentice and the employer. Here at MRC Harwell, we have apprenticeships in both the Estates and Engineering division and in science at the Mary Lyon Centre. Our first apprentice, pictured above with his colleagues from Estates and Engineering, was awarded his indenture last year. Since then, our apprenticeship scheme has grown and we have welcomed many more talented young people. Joshua Cox, an apprentice working in the histology group, is now coming to the end of his time here. Looking back, he reflects on his experience. ”I have thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship. It’s great to learn in a practical manner, and my time here has been excellent. Highly skillful and knowledgeable staff have made the learning process fun and interesting.”
