Scottish Apprenticeship Week: Callum's Story
3rd March 2025
Callum Macleod is now working as a Research Assistant at Ingenza having successfully completed his apprenticeship. Between 2019 and 2024, Callum obtained first an HNC and then an HND in Applied Biological Science.
My apprenticeship opened doors to work in an industry which would otherwise require years of study at university and further work to gain experience.
Callum Macleod HND, Research Assistant, Ingenza Ltd.
Ingenza is a boutique, technology-driven CRDMO, focused on solving manufacturing challenges in complex biologics, small molecule pharmaceuticals and sustainably manufactured industrial products. Callum’s role as a fermentation apprentice gave him an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Ingenza’s core brief: working closely with clients to de-risk and streamline the development of novel molecules, using an extensive and unique range of proprietary enabling technologies in microbial strain and mammalian cell-line engineering, protein production, fermentation and bioprocess development.
Far superior to any degree
In the view of Dr. Alison Arnold, Head of Fermentation and Microbiology at Ingenza, apprenticeships are not just a fantastic route into a practical, science-based career for trainees, they can also solve a recruitment challenge for emloyers.
“An apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity for young people to train in a practical way, giving them hands-on experience which is far superior to anything any degree course can offer. In areas such as fermentation, where is very difficult to hire someone junior with previous bioreactor practical experience, it offers us the opportunity to train the young person in a way that is tailored specifically to our needs.”
An apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity for young people to train in a practical way.
Alison Arnold, PhD, Head of Fermentation and Microbiology, Ingenza Ltd.
Callum’s comments back this up.
“Apprenticeships allow companies to train and educate at the same time. My apprenticeship opened doors to work in an industry which would otherwise require years of study at university and further work to gain experience.”
And what does the future hold for this now skilled and experienced fermentation specialist? Callum is, not unreasonably, optimistic.
“My aspirations are to continue in the scientific industry and my apprenticeship will support that ambition, as I have hands on experience and qualifications from college that were earned whilst undergoing apprenticeship.”