Martin, who is a degree apprentice at UCB, first visited the company as a teenager during the annual Work in Science Week event. This event, which allows students to experience life as a scientist, inspired him to pursue his interest in science. Now Martin works to ensure that other young people have the same opportunities as he did.
The apprenticeship experience
When he left school – intending to go down the traditional university route – Martin decided to look into alternative options that would better suit him. He has found that the apprenticeship path suits him, providing a combination of knowledge and practical experience which has allowed him to build a strong foundation at work.
‘I have confidence to build a career in science and by doing an apprenticeship I feel like I am in an advantageous position for the future.’
While Martin has found that the life of an apprentice is probably less social than that of a traditional university student, he is glad to have been able to work and learn close to home, make great friends and have the structure and routine that an apprenticeship provides. His experience has given him the confidence to build a career in science.
‘Go for it!’
When asked what advice he would give other young people interested in a career in science, Martin said, ‘Go for it!’
He advised looking into all of the available options to decide what is best for you. In his experience, science is a level playing field – no one field of science is better or worse than another, and no way of getting into science is better or worse than another.
‘Work in Science solidified my thinking that I wanted to be a scientist and I hope that we give other students this insight too.’
Martin also advised that those looking into a career in science should take every opportunity to understand what being a scientist is. Since working at UCB, Martin has helped at every Work in Science Week for that exact reason. This is because Work in Science solidified his desire to be a scientist, and he wants other students to get this insight too.
Science Industry Partnership’s interview with Martin Domville can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/science-industry-partnership_apprenticeship-case-study-looking-to-a-activity-6572070295782465536-PCjr
More information about University of Kent’s degree apprenticeships are available here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/apprenticeships/current-apprenticeships.html