HLA Science Event 23rd February 6.30 to 7.30pm - Randox, Almac, Norbrook

HLA Science Event 23rd February 6.30 to 7.30pm –
               Randox, Almac, Norbrook
Number/
 Answer                                            Questions
     1         I’m wondering when is the appropriate time to enquire about potentially getting an
               apprenticeship?
Answer - Firstly you need to apply through SRC who will then guide you through the application
process. Application portal opens for applications from 1st March 2021 Course Search (src.ac.uk)
      2        What is the difference between Full Time and Part Time HLA?
Answer –All HLAs are Part Time study as you attend class only one day and will be working the rest
of the working week.
      3        What is the HLA application process and how can I express my interest to the
               company?
Answer –You register and apply through our online application facility, once your application is
submitted you will receive an email with a 2nd form to be completed; called “Employer Additional
Information form” once you complete this upload it to your application account. This form is a basic
application form within it you are asked to write 500 words about yourself, use the resource link
within the email to help you write it. Do not use your UCAS statement, you are applying for a job
and course at the same time. You will get support from the tutor also to assist you in completing
this form. This is the form that SRC send to employers for shortlisting last week in June so
shortlisting can begin. At this point all contact for interviews will come directly from the employers
– so keep an eye on your emails.
      4        Do applicants pick employers themselves to send the job application to or is it sent
               out to every possible employer?
Answer – All Employer Additional Information forms are sent to employers who have registered to
view the applicant pool. If you have approached an employer directly with whom you have
contacts via family and friends and they are not familiar with the HLA programme but would like
more information please email this enquiry with employer details to hla@src.ac.uk
      5        What time during the year do people start receiving offers of employment from
               employers for their HLA?
Answer - As part of your online application for your HLA you must complete an Employer Additional
Information Form (see more detail at Q3 Answer). This form will be sent to all employers who have
registered to view the applicant pool. Employers will receive the pool of applicants approx. first
week of July (date TBC). Employers undertake recruitment activities during July and August and
applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment.
      6        For the Higher Apprenticeship, do you do a full week at UNI and only do placements
               over holidays?
Answer –As part of your HLA you attend SRC (face to face/online) for class one day per week and
the rest of the week you work with your employer. You are employed from day one and subject to
your employer’s holiday arrangements.
      7        How will it work if your not in school? Eg took a year gap.
Answer - It does not matter when you left school, all applicants must meet entry requirements for
chosen HLA Higher Apprenticeships (src.ac.uk), there is no age restrictions for applying for an HLA.
      8        Do I need a Computing qualification in order to undertake the apprenticeship as it
               does not specifically ask for one?
Answer – No but you must meet the entry criteria in order to be accepted onto the HLA
programme. You can find these details on SRC Higher Level Apprenticeship page Apprenticeships at
SRC within this page you will see a link to the HLA booklet which provides all HLA details. Some

employers will look for evidence of interest in Computing e.g Hobbies involving Computing or self-
teaching
      9         I would like to know more information about the Course structure of Life Sciences
                and Chemical Sciences HLA.
Answer - You can find course structure details on SRC Higher Level Apprenticeship page
Apprenticeships at SRC within this page you will see a link to a booklet which provides all HLA
course details and units.
      10        How have your current apprentices coped with the impact of Covid 19 on both their
                college and work life?
Answer - Apprentices have transitioned to online learning methods at SRC as part of Covid 19
smoothly. Apprentices are very well supported by college and workplace mentors. All 3 Science
employers have made provisions for HLA in the workplace in line with PHA guidelines.
      11        Why would I consider and apprenticeship over a university degree? Aren’t they
                viewed higher later on in life?
Answer – As a potential apprentice applicant you can access careers guidance in order to discuss
the best academic/career choice for you Careers Service (src.ac.uk) or contact Careers | nidirect.
An Apprenticeship is a debt free foundation degree, after 2-3 years depending on programme you
follow you will have relevant work experience.
      12        What grades/qualifications do I need for an HLA?
Answer – Within the HLA Booklet you will find entrance criteria for all HLA programmes Higher
Apprenticeships (src.ac.uk) . If Applying to Almac for the HLA Life Science they have enhanced the
criteria and require you to have Biology and Chemistry A’ Level.
      13        Do the companies want automation engineers?
Answer - Almac regularly recruit Automation Engineers to support the design, development,
installation, testing and support of control systems and to ensure that automation systems operate
efficiently and safely, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Randox – not currently

    14        Do these companies recruit students for their year in industry placement?
Answer - Almac recruits students for 12 month placements across the business in areas such as
Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Quality, Project Management, Engineering and Computing
Norbrook not currently due to Covid restrictions in place on-site.
Randox – yes, we recruit a large number of industry placements across all disciplines e.g Research &
Development, I.T, Business and Engineering

      15       What main skills do employers focus on building in their apprentices?
Answer – Norbrook Hands on practical application of the under-pinning knowledge provided by
SRC. We also work with apprentices to develop their soft skills such as communication, teamwork,
problem solving, interpersonal skills, adaptability etc.
Within Almac as well as the required technical skills, Higher Level Apprentices are supported in
developing key transferrable skills e.g. communication, leadership. Almac has developed an
‘Achieving your Potential’ training course specifically for our HLAs to support their professional
development and help them shine in their career.
Randox – A lot of this is the practical skills as you are learning on the job and being show various
methods and scientific techniques in which you will also learn through your theory at SRC. We also
like to focus on employability skills such as team working, communication. We implement the
rotation function to also review how a student can adapt throughout the course and work within
different teams and environments.

16        How is college teaching and workplace learning linked during the apprenticeships?
Answer - HLA have compulsory accredited work-based learning modules to complete as part of the
HLA qualification. SRC college-based mentor, the work-based mentor and the HLA have review
meetings in the workplace to discuss performance and work-based learning projects and content.
Norbrook - Workplace learning is aligned to the college under pinning technical knowledge so far as
is practical. However, we will never hold an apprentice back if we feel they are ready to learn new
skills and techniques, so in many instances we have already covered the practical aspects of
training in a technique which is then later followed up by college teaching. The result is an easier to
understand module for the apprentice as they are already familiar with the technique and have
received the necessary skills training from our in-house technical experts.
Almac works closely with the college to ensure that workplace learning supports college teaching.
There is a structured programme of workplace learning and training that has been designed to map
onto the modules taught at college. SRC and Almac representatives meet regularly to ensure that
HLAs are being given all the support needed to succeed in their course and at work.
Randox – As we have had input in the structure of the course and modules, we understand the type
of practical work a student needs to learn through their time and how this fits. Through the
assigned mentors we would also encourage students to highlight any areas they feel they need to
experience in order to help with their studies and we would move them or let them spend some
time with that team.

    17         Is there any way after you finish your apprenticeship you could transfer to another
               site such as America to carry on studies or get a job?
Answer – Norbrook Apprentices are employees from day 1. Historically all apprentices completing
the course have entered into full time employment at Norbrook. We don’t offer the opportunity to
transfer beyond the Island of Ireland.
Almac has 18 facilities globally, therefore there could be opportunities, upon completion of a
Higher Level Apprenticeship, to apply for jobs at other Almac locations.
Randox – We do have a presence in 145 countries, however, we retain all main areas of work
including research and development within our facilities in N. Ireland. Therefore, we wouldn’t have
the opportunity for a student to move after completion, unless it was to retrain in an area such as
sales or customer support.
     18        If you already have a degree, and are looking to switch career is this a suitable
               course? I am looking to get into ICT/computers. I like work placement element as I
               feel it will increase the likelihood to employment.
Answer - If you already have a degree but would like to change career, your new HLA must be
unrelated to previous qualification. You must meet programme entry requirements Higher
Apprenticeships (src.ac.uk)
     19        Can Biomedical Engineering be studied as a Higher Level Apprenticeship within any
               of the companies?
Answer - No, Biomedical Engineering is not offered as a Higher Level Apprenticeship. However
Almac employs Biomedical Engineering graduates and students studying Biomedical Engineering
would be eligible for industrial placements in areas such as Quality or Project Management at
Almac.
     20        Is a biology/biomedical science pathway available to study opposed to chemistry?
Answer – Almac, The Life Sciences pathway of the Applied Industrial Sciences Higher Level
Apprenticeship is more biology-focussed and upon completion of the Foundation Degree, it is
possible to progress to B.Sc. Hons programmes in Biomedical Science at Ulster University.

Randox – We currently recruit only from the Applied Industrial Sciences as this fits with the type of
work conducted in Randox, there are possibilities to move on to further Biomedical studies and
research projects.
     21         What is involved in the apprenticeship interviews?
Answer – After SRC Pre-Enrolment Advice Session (PEAS) meeting you will be invited to an
interview in Norbrook. On the interview panel will be three people, 2 from Laboratories and one
from the Learning and Development department. The interview itself will consist of a number of
questions based upon your life experience to date, not all will be focused on Chemistry although
this will be explored.

At Almac the interview is focussed on getting to know the applicant and find out why they want to
do the apprenticeship and work at Almac. For those applying for a Higher Level Apprenticeship in
Applied Industrial Sciences (Chemical Sciences) at Almac, there could also be a test to assess basic
practical knowledge (taught at school/college) that is required to work within an analytical
chemistry laboratory setting.

Randox – the interview will consist of a panel of 2 people from the Human Resources Team, this
usually lasts around 20 minutes and we would explore the applicant’s previous education and part
time jobs if applicable. We also focus on the reasons for taking on the apprenticeship pathway and
interest in the company. We do also have a short Chemistry test at the end as although we recruit
for the Life Sciences pathway, there are always elements of Chemistry within this work. The
questions on this test are similar to information taught during A Levels or a Level 3 Science
qualification.

    22         Do all three companies have a chemical engineering apprenticeship?
Answer - Almac offer a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronic Engineering. Chemical
Engineering is not available as an apprenticeship in Northern Ireland. Almac employ Chemical
Engineers who have B.Eng/M.Eng. degrees and also offer 12mth industrial placements to students
studying Chemical Engineering.

     23        Can you start with HLA 6 or do you have to do HLA 4 or 5 first?
Answer - Currently the level 6 is offered as a progression route from the level 4/5 HLA not as a
direct entry route. Norbrook - Articulation to L6 is via L4&5 apprenticeship only.
Almac recruits Higher Level Apprentices after Level 3. If, upon successful completion of the
Foundation Degree, Higher Level Apprentices wish to progress to HLA Level 6, they are fully
supported in doing so. To date we have not recruited at HLA Level 6.
     24        How technical are the chemistry/life sciences tests involved in the interviews? Will
               someone who did a BTEC be disadvantage in these tests?
Answer – Almac, The chemistry tests are very basic (e.g. solution preparation) and what is asked is
covered by GSCE and A-level/BTEC qualifications. Therefore someone who did a BTEC will not be at
a disadvantage. Just know the basics and be confident in your ability! You will not be asked
anything that is not part of GCSE or Level 3 (A-level/BTEC) Chemistry.

Randox – The questions we have chosen are specifically for people at a Level 3 qualification
     25          What makes an applicant stand out from the others during the recruiting process?
Answer – Norbrook The application form is very brief, completing a 500 word personal statement
only. It is the interview process, for us, where people generally stand out.

Almac, An applicant who shows their passion and motivation to pursue a Higher Level
Apprenticeship with Almac and shows good knowledge about the course and the company will
make a good impression at interview.

Randox – We based our selection process on the interview, we are looking for someone who has
demonstrated their passion for science and taking on an HLA with Randox. Always do your
research on the company you’re applying for. It’s always good to come armed with more than the
company statement from their website.
     26        Is the chemistry test based on A Level Chemistry?
Answer - The Almac test is based on GCSE and A-level Chemistry e.g. solution preparation and basic
tasks when working in an analytical chemistry laboratory.
     27        Do any of the three companies offer work experience this year
Answer – Norbrook Not currently due to Covid restrictions on site.
Almac is developing a Virtual Work Experience hub, which will be open for registration from April
onwards. Unfortunately, we cannot offer onsite work experience at this time. The Hub will contain
presentations, day-in-the-life-videos and activities about careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
Live Q&A sessions with Almac staff will be scheduled in May & June and students will receive a
Certificate upon completion of the module. Students can engage with the content flexibly
depending on their area(s) of interest and the time they have available.
Randox – Not this year due to COVID restrictions and limiting numbers on site.

    28         Is the life sciences pathway in Almac more suitable for someone more interested in
               biology?
Answer - Yes, the Life Sciences pathway is more suitable. Higher Level Apprentices on the Life
Sciences pathway will work in Almac Diagnostic Services to support biomarker discovery and
development. They will receive training in clinical sample and data management and processing of
clinical samples for downstream genomic testing using a range of laboratory techniques.