Ingenza is an Edinburgh-based biotechnology
and bioprocess company manufacturing chemicals for the
pharmaceutical industry.
Although normally only recruiting those with PHDs, Ingenza
learned about a new scheme to support apprenticeships, opening the
doors for school leavers.
Dr Ian Archer explained: "Graduates know most of the theoretical
knowledge required to start their careers in biotechnology but most
lack the practical experience of working in a real lab.
We found out about the 2 for 1 Life Sciences apprenticeship
offer at a talk at Forth Valley College.
As a small company, we jumped at the chance for support and
worked closely with Skills Development Scotland to get started.
The teachers at Penicuik's Beeslack High School were very
supportive in helping identify suitable candidates among the 6th
year pupils and pinpointed Kirsty Glendinning and Ross Hepplewhite
as ideal candidates.
Apprentices get theoretical and practical based learning and I
believe both of them will be really employable by the end of their
training."
Kirsty and Ross both started college in January and their time
will be split between the classroom and the lab.
Kirsty, 18, loved the idea of earning while she learned. She
said: "I knew this was a unique opportunity and immediately
applied. It's a very interesting career choice and I look forward
to learning as much as I can."
Ross, 17, added: "I've always been interested in physics and
can't believe how lucky I am to have secured this great learning
opportunity with Ingenza.
"We have both been taught many things so far and I hope to work
at Ingenza for many more years."
Dr Archer added: "I strongly recommend this scheme to other
employers. The combination of college and on-the-job training will
deliver employees of outstanding calibre who will be uniquely
qualified for working in the life science industry."