Almac maximises career development

The multifaceted scheme offers HLAs in Applied Industrial Sciences (Chemical Sciences), Computing and Mechatronic Engineering giving access to key departments and globally respected experts across multiple disciplines.

Available for both existing and newly recruited employees, Almac’s programme has been operating for the last five years and is delivered through the ApprenticeshipsNI programme, in association with Southern Regional College (SRC).

To date, Almac’s intake has been extremely popular with over 30 HLAs being recruited in various departments by the global organisation.

Apprentices who participate in the programmes can work in a high-quality, customer focused, innovative environment and are fully supported by both an expert Almac mentor and a personally assigned assessor from SRC.

Almac’s HLA programme illustrates a shift in the employment of apprenticeships by employers across the UK.

While the total number of apprenticeships has been declining for several years, new schemes are being created to attract school leavers to highly technical roles or provide practical training for existing employees.

“The success of our business depends on having a diverse workforce of suitably trained and qualified staff,” said Dr Frances Weldon, STEM Outreach Manager, Almac Group.

“Offering different pathways into the various opportunities available at Almac is a fundamental part of that and we have no doubt that the incorporation of apprenticeship programmes to recruit staff into our labs, engineering and IS teams will mean we can grow a talent pipeline from within our organisation.”

Michelle McKinstry graduated with a BSc Degree this summer having completed her HLA in Applied Industrial Sciences (Chemical Sciences) with Almac Sciences over the past 4 years.

Now employed full time as an Analytical Chemist, Michelle reflects on her pathway: “The HLA is a brilliant experience, challenging, but very rewarding and it has enabled me to earn while I learn, without paying any tuition fees or running up any student debt. I have developed new skills and increased my knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. The experience I have gained has been invaluable and working at Almac has given me the confidence to progress and succeed in my chosen career path.”

For further information regarding the various HLA opportunities available at Almac visit almacgroup.com/careers/apprenticeships.

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