National Apprenticeship Week: Tayla's Story
10th February 2025
Tayla Macdonald is studying for an Apprenticeship whilst working as a Level 5 Technician Scientist within the Analytical Sciences group at Pharmaron Biologics, a a premier service provider for the global life sciences industry.
My apprenticeship has given me hands-on knowledge and experience that I wouldn’t have gained as a traditional university student.
Tayla Macdonald, Level 5 Technician Scientist, University of Kent
Pharmaron has global operations across 21 sites in China, US and UK. Pharmaron Biologics (UK) Ltd., based in Liverpool, focuses on delivering CMC development and manufacturing services for gene therapy and biological products to a global customer base.
Tayla’s apprenticeship program is specifically within the Analytical Sciences group at Pharmaron, which is made up of six teams: Characterisation, Analytical Development, Molecular Biology, Bioassay, QC Microbiology, and QC Analytical. The program lasts 39 months, during which Tayla is spending between 4-6 months with each of the six teams. The goal is for Tayla to gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of analytical techniques and develop first-hand knowledge of how these techniques fit into the overall analytical strategy for products undergoing CMC development. As part of her development so far Tayla has gained experience in HPLC, ELISA, LC/MS, electrophoresis and cell culture to support analytical method development, product characterisation, lot release, stability testing and facility monitoring.
A Fantastic Opportunity
According to Tayla, “The rotational structure of the apprenticeship has been invaluable, giving me a comprehensive understanding of how the various teams contribute to the industry as a whole. It has also provided a fantastic opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills. By experiencing different departments first hand, I have been able to identify which areas are best suited to my future career aspirations.
Tayla added, “My apprenticeship has given me hands-on knowledge and experience that I wouldn’t have gained as a traditional university student. The support and guidance from course providers and colleges have been instrumental in helping me achieve my learning goals. Moreover, it has opened my eyes to new opportunities that are better aligned with my skills and long-term ambitions.”
I have had my eyes to new opportunities that are better aligned with my skills and long-term ambitions.
James Brown, Senior Manager (Analytical Services) at Pharmaron said, “We have had the opportunity to support Tayla's development and had the reward of having a smart, hardworking, conscientious scientist working within our analytical sciences team supporting our analytical platform service offerings for Plasmid DNA and AAV. Tayla is also a fantastic ambassador for apprenticeships and Pharmaron, regularly promoting both at STEM events in local schools and colleges and recently had the opportunity to talk directly to former Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan on her experiences and showcasing the ATMP industry.”
“Incorporating apprenticeships into our team has brought measurable value to Pharmaron. It has enabled us to cultivate a highly skilled scientist who has contributed to several key programs and given them a platform to progress and succeed.”
Tayla is a fantastic ambassador for apprenticeships and for the company. Incorporating apprenticeships into our team has brought measurable value to Pharmaron.
James Brown, Senior Manager (Analytical Services) at Pharmaron Biologics (UK)
You can watch a short video about Tayla’s experience at Pharmaron via any of the following social links: