Part of the Etc.
Case study: Tiffany
Role: Production Technologist at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Subjects at SRC Bede: A level Biology, Psychology and Drama
Previous school: St. Michael’s Catholic Academy
Securing a higher apprenticeship has undoubtedly paid off for Tiffany, a former student of SRC Bede Sixth Form. Now a Production Technologist at The Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies manufacturing facilities in Billingham, she produces biopharmaceuticals from microbial or mammalian cell cultures, products that will be used in clinical trials or for commercial supply.
Tiffany always knew she wanted to do something science related, even whilst at college, saying: “When I found out I didn’t get into Newcastle University, which was my first choice, I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do. I went home that day and started searching online. That’s where I found out about Fujifilm, which is just around the corner from where I live in Norton.”
After submitting her application, she was invited to an interview.
“We covered some biotechnology content at A level, so I knew a bit about it. I also quizzed my biology teacher which helped me to prepare.”
She secured the role and hasn’t looked back since, saying: “At the time, no one really knew about higher apprenticeships so I didn’t realise it was an option. There’s some really great ones out there, especially for STEM careers.”
When asked what advice she’d give to students considering an apprenticeship after college, she said: “I think employers look at the person’s confidence, rather than just the grades. I had a part time job whilst at Bede which helped me to develop my social skills and professionalism.”
Excelling in her apprenticeship, Tiffany won NEPIC’s Apprentice of the Year award in 2016 and was offered a permanent position with Fujifilm. She also studies a fully-funded degree part-time in Biological Sciences at Teesside University.
She added: “I’m graduating this summer with five years of industry specific knowledge and hands-on experience. I feel like my higher apprenticeship has put me at an advantage, rather than if I just studied a degree full-time.”
If you’re thinking about studying an apprenticeship after college, find out more information by following the links below:
Role: Production Technologist at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Subjects at SRC Bede: A level Biology, Psychology and Drama
Previous school: St. Michael’s Catholic Academy
Securing a higher apprenticeship has undoubtedly paid off for Tiffany, a former student of SRC Bede Sixth Form. Now a Production Technologist at The Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies manufacturing facilities in Billingham, she produces biopharmaceuticals from microbial or mammalian cell cultures, products that will be used in clinical trials or for commercial supply.
Tiffany always knew she wanted to do something science related, even whilst at college, saying: “When I found out I didn’t get into Newcastle University, which was my first choice, I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do. I went home that day and started searching online. That’s where I found out about Fujifilm, which is just around the corner from where I live in Norton.”
After submitting her application, she was invited to an interview.
“We covered some biotechnology content at A level, so I knew a bit about it. I also quizzed my biology teacher which helped me to prepare.”
She secured the role and hasn’t looked back since, saying: “At the time, no one really knew about higher apprenticeships so I didn’t realise it was an option. There’s some really great ones out there, especially for STEM careers.”
When asked what advice she’d give to students considering an apprenticeship after college, she said: “I think employers look at the person’s confidence, rather than just the grades. I had a part time job whilst at Bede which helped me to develop my social skills and professionalism.”
Excelling in her apprenticeship, Tiffany won NEPIC’s Apprentice of the Year award in 2016 and was offered a permanent position with Fujifilm. She also studies a fully-funded degree part-time in Biological Sciences at Teesside University.
She added: “I’m graduating this summer with five years of industry specific knowledge and hands-on experience. I feel like my higher apprenticeship has put me at an advantage, rather than if I just studied a degree full-time.”
If you’re thinking about studying an apprenticeship after college, find out more information by following the links below:
