Nina’s Laboratory Technician Journey with NC Group & INEOS Compounds
Key Takeaways: Nina’s Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Journey
- Hands-on experience across analytical and quality control labs
- Developed technical skills in laboratory testing, analysis, quality control and health and safety
- Built essential soft skills: teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and time management
- Supported throughout by the NC Group team
- Achieved a recognised qualification and built confidence, ready for a career in science and manufacturing
Why Apprenticeships Make a Difference
At NC Group, we take pride in supporting apprentices as they develop real-world skills and progress into rewarding careers. Our apprenticeships are more than training programmes, they futureproof your workforce by closing skills gaps, developing talent, and creating motivated, confident employees.
For young people like Nina Taylor, a Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship at INEOS Compounds offered the perfect combination of hands-on work, continuous learning, and earning while you learn.
“From leaving college, I knew I wanted a career that was practical and allowed me to learn while working. It is why I chose the Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship at INEOS Compounds.” – Nina Taylor.
What is a Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship?
A Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with formal education. Designed to prepare individuals for a career as a laboratory technician in scientific, manufacturing, or technical environments, apprentices gain practical skills while working alongside experienced professionals and earn a recognised qualification.
Are you looking to build your future workforce? Discover how our apprenticeships can help.
Apprenticeship Experience
During her two-year apprenticeship at INEOS Compounds, Nina worked in both the analytical and quality control laboratories. This variety allowed her to apply her learning into practice, face new challenges, and gain confidence in different environments.
“The apprenticeship offered me the chance to work across the analytical lab and the quality control lab, giving me a wide range of experience. I was able to apply what I was learning straight away, whether that was testing materials, analysing results, or understanding the processes that ensure products met the required standards. Working with such a reputable company gave me confidence that I was building a strong foundation for my future career.” – Nina Taylor.
Ongoing Support
Throughout her apprenticeship, Nina received support from her NC Group tutor and the wider apprenticeship team. It included one-to-one guidance, feedback on assignments, and the flexibility to use NC Group’s training academy when she needed focused time for her coursework.
Supporting apprentices throughout their learning journey is key to success, and one of the reasons our learners consistently achieve outstanding results. At NC Group, we see it as a three-way partnership between the learner, their employer, and our team.
“I was supported throughout my apprenticeship. My tutor at NC Group was always approachable and encouraging, making sure I was on track with my assignments. I also had the option to drop into the training academy at Aycliffe Business Park whenever I needed to complete work, which definitely helped me.” – Nina Taylor.
It makes us proud to see our apprentices grow in confidence and capability as they progress through their training.
“Nina showed a real enthusiasm for science and an eagerness to learn, which made her stand out right from the start. She completed assignments to a high standard and often well before deadlines. She also showed confidence in her approach to working between the analytical and quality control labs, which was not without its challenges.” – Julie Gorman, NC Group Apprentice Tutor.
Skills and Career Development
Over the course of her two-year Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship, Nina gained a wide range of valuable skills, including:
- Laboratory testing and analysis
- Quality control processes
- Compliance procedures
- Health and safety in the laboratory
- Data recording, reporting, and documentation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving and teamwork
- Communication and confidence
- Time management and meeting deadlines
Her apprenticeship has equipped her with the technical expertise required for a career in science and manufacturing, and established essential soft skills that employers value, preparing her for long-term success.
“Choosing the Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship was absolutely the right decision. I’ve gained hands-on industry experience, achieved a recognised qualification, and earned while I learned over the past two years. I also feel that I have grown in confidence in my approach to teamwork and problem-solving. I’m really excited about what the future holds for me in the science and manufacturing industry.” – Nina Taylor.
Could Apprenticeships Solve Your Skills Gaps?
Investing in workforce development delivers tangible business benefits:
- Closes skills gaps
- Increases productivity and employee motivation
- Improves staff retention
- Supports succession planning and future leadership
- Can reduce recruitment costs and reliance on external hiring
- Enhances compliance and quality standards
- Brings fresh ideas and innovation into the business
With government-backed incentives and initiatives, there has never been a better time to develop your people.
How are Apprenticeships Funded in the UK?
- If your organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy, you can use these funds to cover the cost of apprenticeship training.
- Alternatively, there is 95% government funding, or 100% for learners aged 16–18 for apprenticeship training, meaning you only pay a fraction of the cost.
With Ofsted Outstanding provision and access to government funding, we will help you develop the skills your business needs to succeed.
If your organisation is looking to futureproof your workforce, call 01388 737121 or email training@ncgroupltd.co.uk.