Cameron Hughes is securing a career as a level 3 science manufacturing technician apprentice with ATAC, working for Freeline Therapeutics
Cameron was studying towards his A-levels at sixth form but quickly realised that this learning environment was not the right fit for him. Despite having good GCSE grades, he found his preferred way of learning to be applying first-hand knowledge, skills and theory back into the job role.
By actively searching for alternative options to the traditional school to university route, Cameron discovered the opportunities to study for a recognised qualification while remaining in the workplace through the Gov.uk website.
The blend of on-the-job training and off-the-job learning was exactly what Cameron was looking for and encouraged him to apply as a level 3 science manufacturing technician apprentice.
The impact: A learning environment that nurtures an apprentice’s ambition
Through the ATAC apprenticeship programme, Cameron was given the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the company’s success and feel valued by being involved with the set-up of a new laboratory, the validation of equipment within it, and the writing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Cameron says: “It has been really exciting as I have been able to see everything from the beginning. I have also been trusted to write SOPs. That has given me a real sense of achievement because my name is written at the top of the document as the author and people within the lab will follow it. That demonstrates trust in my capabilities, which I am proud of.”
Furthermore, through the additional support and activities such as networking events and webinars organised by the ATAC programme to support apprentices in gaining wider industry knowledge, Cameron was able to make the right connections to pave the way for his progression into the next level of his career.
“ATAC is the reason I want to progress onto the level 5 apprenticeship; they have made the connections with others and the next steps easy. Previous apprentices have delivered webinars on end-point assessment, which has been useful because I am about to take mine.
“The ATAC events have been brilliant too—the guest speakers are amazing. The session with Kate Bingham [Former chair of the UK Vaccines Taskforce] during