A 22-year-old has marked National Apprenticeship Week this February by telling how his opportunity at Manchester science company Lubrizol is like a dream come true.
Lennox Munjoma is a Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprentice at the company’s site in Blackley, giving him the opportunity to obtain a debt-free degree while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Now the company, whose chemistry products are used in a huge proportion of products all around the world, is advertising more roles including two sought after degree apprenticeship positions in Blackley.
Lennox, originally from Warrington, said he had originally been considering a career in medicine after completing A-levels in chemistry, biology, maths and physics.
But he said his sights turned towards the degree apprenticeship route after a representative from Manchester Metropolitan University came to talk to students at his college about alternative pathways.
He said:
“When I listened to that talk, it sounded like getting paid to do your degree was a dream, to be honest – too good to be true!”
Lennox applied for a degree apprenticeship role at Lubrizol and after making it through the interview stages won the role, which sees him undertake university study on Mondays while working in the laboratory for the rest of the week.
He said one of the best aspects of undertaking a degree apprenticeship was the opportunity to rotate through different departments, providing a well-rounded overview of what working in a science company like Lubrizol is like.
He said:
“Doing a degree apprenticeship is just a no brainer. You’re getting paid and four years of experience too.
“It has definitely been challenging, that’s for sure, and very stimulating as well. I’ve learned a lot about the chemistry industry. I’ve met some amazing people, and I feel I have learned a lot.
“I’ve enjoyed the rotation aspect, going into different departments, learning a variety of skills and meeting different members of the company. I’ve got a very holistic view because I’ve worked in all these departments.
“Everyone at Lubrizol was very welcoming when I started. I know when I go into full time work I’ll be well equipped.”
Lubrizol has sites in Manchester, Huddersfield, Barnsley and Derbyshire and is currently recruiting four laboratory scientist apprentices: two in Manchester and two at its UK Technical Centre in Hazelwood.
Lucy Cooper, an HR Business Partner consultant for Lubrizol, said:
“It’s brilliant to hear how well Lennox is getting on with his degree apprenticeship. At Lubrizol we really believe in apprenticeships and feel it’s a great way to nurture talent and create a multi-skilled team, while creating important opportunities for young people that do not necessarily involve paying for a university education.
“During National Apprenticeship Week we like to draw attention to our brilliant young apprentices and encourage more people to apply for these coveted roles with us. For the right candidates, these can be life-changing opportunities.”
National Apprenticeship Week runs from February 10-16 and brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit and opportunity that they bring.
For all job opportunities at Lubrizol including apprenticeships see www.lubrizol.com/careers
