We’re celebrating a double success as two of our biology apprentices, Rebecca and Pia, have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) Apprentice of the Year Awards 2025! Celebrated during Biology Week, these awards recognise excellence and impact within the community.
A huge congratulations to Rebecca, who won Apprentice of the Year, and to Pia, who received a Highly Commended award. Their exceptional work demonstrates how apprentices are shaping the future of the life sciences through skills and innovation.
Both apprentices first discovered their passion for biology long before joining their current roles. For Rebecca, that spark came in secondary school thanks to an inspiring biology teacher. When she later came across the idea of a degree apprenticeship, she was, as she puts it, “immediately hooked on the idea – getting practical experience and earning a degree with no debt? It sounded amazing.” That decision led her to the High-Throughput Biology team at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, where she has flourished over the past three years.
Pia’s interest followed a similar path as during her A levels, she was keen to pursue biomedical science. While researching higher apprenticeships in the life sciences sector, she came across the Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship on the government website and knew instantly that it was the right fit. She explains that she was “excited by the chance to work toward a degree while gaining hands-on experience in a laboratory.” Now based at AstraZeneca, Pia contributes to projects to accelerate early drug discovery, while also promoting life science careers through STEM outreach events such as Cambridge Big Biology Day.
Winning their awards was a moment of reflection for both. For Rebecca, being named Apprentice of the Year left her feeling “very proud” of what she’s achieved over the last three years. “From contributing to workplace projects to volunteering for apprentice outreach and helping drive sustainability initiatives, it’s amazing to have this recognition – not just for my personal growth but also as a platform for promoting apprenticeships to a wider audience.”
Receiving a Highly Commended award was a proud moment for Pia as well, acknowledging the impact she’s made over the last few years. “It’s rewarding to have recognition for the work I’ve contributed to throughout my apprenticeship,” she says. “As someone passionate about promoting careers and apprenticeships in the life sciences sector, I am grateful that this recognition from the Royal Society of Biology helps raise awareness of the value apprentices bring.”
Both apprentices emphasised the encouragement and guidance they’ve received from their teams and how this has helped them succeed. Pia highlights the “strong sense of community” at AstraZeneca, where she’s been able to contribute to meaningful projects from the very beginning. She says the early talent network, which offers mentorship, peer connections and leadership opportunities, has been vital in helping her grow both technically and professionally. She also highlights the support of her university lecturers and apprenticeship advisor, whose guidance helped her balance work and study and integrate her academic learning into her role.
Rebecca echoes that sense of gratitude, explaining how her team has encouraged her to push herself in new directions, “from presenting [and] tackling challenging lab questions to managing a research project for two interns last summer.” She admits that balancing a full-time job with university studies hasn’t always been easy, but believes those challenges have made her more resilient. “There are always new challenges to face, but it’s really rewarding to look back and see myself regularly doing things that felt out of reach at the beginning.”
Both apprentices are keen to inspire others to take the leap into apprenticeships. Rebecca’s advice to anyone considering one is simple: “If you see something that interests you, go for it and apply! The worst thing that can happen is rejection, but you might just find yourself an amazing opportunity – trust your interests.”
Their journeys show just how much apprenticeships can offer. It’s not only the chance to gain a degree and develop technical skills, but also the chance to make an impact to your organisation and the wider community. With their exceptional work and enthusiasm for learning, Rebecca and Pia are proving that the future of life sciences is in very good hands.