Following National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month, pharmaceutical outsourcing specialist Quay Pharma says the success of its Apprenticeship Scheme has made an important contribution to the ongoing growth and development of its business.
The Deeside, UK-based firm has been part of the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Programme since 2009 and considers apprenticeships a key part of its business model. This is aptly demonstrated by the successful career progression of the first apprentice to be appointed, who following analytical training progressed to become a Senior Analyst and is now a Raw Materials Scientist with the company. Since then, a further six apprentices have joined the scheme.
'Apprentices are an important part of the team, keen to learn and take on responsibility, and they have created positive energy throughout the company,' explains Quay Pharma CEO Maireadh Pedersen. 'Hard-working and enthusiastic, their introduction has had a positive motivational impact on our staff. Not only do they help the workload by their presence, their youth and ability to offer new ideas to projects has contributed to improved productivity across the business.'
Apprentices are an important part of the team, keen to learn and take on responsibility
The Quay Pharma programme runs over two years, combining four days of work within the company with one day at a local Further Education college. This gives apprentices the opportunity to gain valuable work experience alongside a level three qualification in business or laboratory techniques. The firm believes that apprenticeships can play a vital role in the long-term future of the pharmaceutical industry.
'We need to continually bring in and nurture new talent and not just at graduate level,' says Pedersen. 'Apprenticeship schemes provide a practical and cost-effective way to build a skilled workforce.
'The fact that our first apprentice is now forging a successful career within the business demonstrates the value that the scheme can bring to both parties, and ideally shows how an apprenticeship programme is the start of a career, not a temporary experience.'