With a mission to deliver life-changing gene therapies to patients, Oxford Biomedica’s development pipeline includes investigational treatments for cancer, Parkinson’s disease and retinopathy, with the cell and gene therapy group most recently making headlines after being enlisted as manufacturers of AstraZeneca’s licensed COVID-19 vaccine.
A world-leader in its own field, the trailblazing biotech is also leading the way in its skills provision offer, having taken on a number of apprentices over the past year - debunking the myth that there are just some sectors where a typical university-based course is a must.
A finalist in its own right - coming Highly Commended in the ‘Large Apprenticeship Employer Award’ category at the 2021 Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards - it was the biotech’s Biotechnologist Apprentice, Nathan Jarvis, who took home the title of ‘Higher Apprentice of the Year’ at the annual awards.
With responsibilities residing in the production of a platform of ‘lentiviral vectors’ (vehicles for gene delivery used as a method in gene therapy), which enable customers to bring next-generation treatments for serious diseases to market, Nathan has also voluntarily specialised in the manufacture of the now prolific COVID-19 vaccine.
Nathan’s apprenticeship combines invaluable on-the-job learning within a now world-renowned biotech business with studying for his Applied Biosciences degree.
Closely-aligned with Oxfordshire’s globally-renowned reputation within the life sciences sector, Nathan’s role with Oxford Biomedica has also seen him highlight the importance of apprenticeships within such industries at the House of Commons, further spreading this message through his pursuit of roles such as an Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Ambassador with OxLEP Skills.
It is apparent that Oxford Biomedica has not been hindered in its apprenticeship provision over the past 18 months - with the roles of on-the-job learners not only surviving a global pandemic – but offering the opportunity to excel in a time of high adversity, gaining real-life experience that most certainly won’t go overlooked by future employers.
The organisation is now looking to recruit nine Level 5 Technician Scientist apprentices to join their team in Oxford. The apprenticeships available will train individuals as an Analytical Scientist, Process Research Scientist, Quality Control or Biotechnologist. Further details can be found here.
Applications close on Friday 9th July 2021.
The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022 will launch later this year.
Find out about all the winners of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2021
