Fraser, 20, has always loved science, but he never felt a real sense of direction or knew exactly what career he wanted to pursue. Unfulfilled by school, he found his route into a future in science and healthcare through a modern apprenticeship at Ninewells Medical School, part of NHS Tayside. 

It Started with an Interest in Science…

Although Fraser is completing his apprenticeship in Life Science and Related Industry at a hospital, he admits “I didn’t really have an opinion on the healthcare setting”. He had completed his Certificate in Applied Science at Dundee and Angus college and was looking for the next step when he heard about the apprenticeship through his lecturer. He knew that he would prefer to focus on the practical aspect of science, but after his interview and a tour of Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, he decided that healthcare was where he wanted to pursue a career. 

Studying at Dundee and Angus College alongside his practical apprenticeship at Ninewells meant Fraser could earn while gaining qualifications, and helped Fraser prepare for his work in the hospital.  Lectures at D&A had enabled him to build his skills in the lab, improve his ability at chemical calculations and work on his general problem solving. Fraser is full of praise for the lecturers who’ve helped him along the way: “they’re really great and help you as much as possible”.

Daily Life Working in a Hospital

While working in a hospital setting was completely new to Fraser, he quickly found his feet and became part of the team. One of Fraser’s favourite things about being an apprentice at Ninewells is the versatility – in fact, when we asked him what a typical day looks like, he says “there isn’t a typical day since it’s so diverse”. This versatility has allowed him to gain experience across different departments, broadening his skillset and setting him up nicely for a future career in healthcare. 

Fraser notes his pride in feeling a sense of responsibility during his apprenticeship, helping to build confidence in and outside the workplace. Not only does he learn on the job, he gets paid and has been able to cover for a department for weeks at a time, ensuring everything was working as it should. Being given the trust and confidence to work practically in the healthcare setting is particularly fulfilling – he’s not just gaining experience, he’s got a sense of purpose in contributing to the smooth running of the hospital and NHS Tayside as a whole.

“I get great insights into this field and since I am constantly learning, I am always picking up stuff that will benefit me in the future.”

Developing Skills for the Future

Through his apprenticeship, Fraser says that he has greatly improved his initiative, communication and collaboration skills. He admits that it’s not always been easy, but there are always experienced mentors who are “more than happy to help” that he can rely on when struggling with a concept or practice.

While Fraser might not have had a strong opinion on working in healthcare when he started his science apprenticeship journey, he now sees himself continuing on in the field and developing his career in the healthcare sector. When asked to sum up his future aspirations he states: “My aspiration is to stay in this field and do the best I can.” 

The varied and fascinating work in the hospital setting has been a stepping stone that’s given Fraser a clear sense of direction in his career. Reflecting on his journey so far, he sums up his apprenticeship in three words: “Versatile, interesting and progression.” His advice to anyone considering a modern apprenticeship in science? “Communication is key. Ask as many questions as you can.”