From apprentice to the client programme team – Chris’ RSSL journey

Its National Apprenticeship Week this week so we caught up with one of our former apprentices to find out why he decided to choose an apprenticeship and how that experience has helped him develop in his career.

 

Why did you choose to start your career at RSSL as an apprentice?

 

I chose to do an apprenticeship as I liked the idea of getting hands-on experience in the industry while getting paid to learn. I chose RSSL as I wanted to work with industry professionals that were making a difference and solving real world problems in the food and pharmaceutical industries. I liked the prospect of the opportunity to rotate through different departments during my apprenticeship to give me a range of invaluable hands-on experience.

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Chris Day, former apprentice, in the lab talking to another scientist

Can you describe your career journey at RSSL, starting from your apprentice role to your current position?

 

I started as an apprentice at RSSL in September 2017. I moved around different areas of the business gaining different experiences from Microbiology to Physical Sciences and Wet Chemistry. At the end of my two years, I got my HNC and secured a permanent position in the Wet Chemistry department team as a Technician.

 

Over the next three years, I continued to work towards my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry while working within my team. During this time, I progressed to the role of Senior Technician and then into Scientist I, holding responsibilities of EHS rep, reagent checker, training coordinator and OOS investigator within the lab. 

After graduating, I progressed into the role of Scientist II where I took on data checking and people management responsibilities. Two years after this I was promoted to Team Leader within the Wet Chemistry team, expanding my people management responsibilities, project management and scheduling responsibility. 

 

After 16 months I transitioned to a Client Programme Executive in the Client Programme Management team which is my current position now at RSSL. 

 

 

How has RSSL supported your professional growth and development?

 

I have had some fantastic mentors and managers who have helped shaped my career and experiences. They have also given me some great advice along the way with regular check-ins. Setting goals at the start of each year and having mid and end of year reviews has been helpful in planning my development and to keep track of my achievements.

 

 

What skills have contributed the most to your success?

 

Learning agility and a strong work ethic have been central to my success at RSSL. I am consistently keen to learn, receptive to feedback and quick to apply new skills, which has enabled me to progress across multiple roles and technical areas. Combined with a strong sense of ownership and a commitment to delivering high-quality work, this approach has helped build trust and create opportunities for leadership and career progression.

 

My advice would be don't be afraid to ask questions and don't worry about making mistakes - no one expects you to know everything!

 

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

 

Not advice - I’d say just do it! By choosing an apprenticeship, you’re already investing in your future career by gaining that all-important work experience. It’s so common to see job roles that require several years of experience in a particular field, even for entry-level positions. Completing an apprenticeship allows you to build those years of experience while already working in the industry, putting you in a strong position to start your career early, all while being paid to study at the same time.


My advice would be don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t worry about making mistakes. For many people, an apprenticeship is their first corporate role and no one expects you to know everything. Don’t pretend that you do - ask questions, make mistakes and learn from them. Everyone was new once, and people will be more than willing to help.

 

 

One final question, we believe your journey didn’t start at RSSL and you started your career as a child actor.  How did that shape who you are today?

 

It was a long time ago now, but I began filming at the age of five and continued until I was fifteen. Spending so much time on film and TV sets and seeing how everything worked behind the scenes from such a young age, was an incredible experience.


During that time, I took on a range of roles, including working as an extra, a body double and a supporting actor in the TV series Jekyll. Along the way, I had the opportunity to meet several well-known figures, such as James Nesbitt, Idris Elba, Catherine Tate and Jack Black.


The experience shaped me by helping me develop important life skills early on, particularly interpersonal skills and professionalism. On set, you work with people of all ages and backgrounds, so being able to communicate and build rapport was essential. At the same time, professionalism was crucial - if you didn’t meet expectations or behave appropriately, you simply wouldn’t be invited back to work with that production company.

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