Applianceofscience

AMANDA ALLAN always had a passion for science and she jumped at the chance to get a head start in the industry when she spotted a Life Sciences apprenticeship opportunity on a noticeboard when she was a college student.

As an apprentice, the 21-year-old was able to learn about the essentials of working in a laboratory, deliver experiments to college classes and even had the chance to work with NASA.

Amanda is now a science technician at West College Scotland where she was once a student. Ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from March 6 to 10, she tells us why an apprenticeship was the right move for her.

What was it about the Life Sciences apprenticeship that convinced you that you had to apply?

Straight away I thought it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Everyone needs experience these days and I thought that if I had experience then I would be better prepared for the workplace.

Your apprenticeship provided the opportunity to get loads of hands-on, practical work experience that has been beneficial to your career. What aspects of the job do you enjoy?

I love working with the students. I enjoy working with different people and seeing how they work. It’s also a great feeling passing on my knowledge.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you were a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassador, promoting careers in those areas to young children and teenagers and encouraging them to think differently about science. What was that like?

The ambassador work really boosted my confidence. I’m grateful I was given time to go and visit nurseries and schools. I felt like I was a positive role model and took real pride in what I was doing.

Working with NASA was also part of your journey as an ambassador! During a week-long summer programme with school students, you led a group in “Mission Discovery” to create an experiment that could be trialled in space. Was it as cool as it sounds?

Our team reached the final. We didn’t win but I learned so much through that experience. The opportunity itself was incredible and shows just where an apprenticeship can take you.

To find out more about Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland and learn about the opportunities available, visit www.apprenticeships.scot