Science First At College

Release date: 15/02/2010

A positive reaction was the result of the latest advance in science at Dundee College when staff welcomed the first-ever class of students on the new Modern Apprentice life science programme.

A total of 10 students from four different companies, CXR Biosciences Ltd, Axis-Sheild, GlaxoSmithKline, Glycomar (oban), and Gentech, have been enrolled on the programme which started on Monday, February 15, with a two-week induction.

The new students are all employed under the Scottish Government’s ‘two-for-one’ initiative which encourages life science companies to recruit two apprentices with the full salary of the second apprentice being paid for by the Government.

The scheme has a firm bond with Dundee College as First Minister Alex Salmond chose to announce its launch at the state-of-the-art science labs at the Kingsway Campus last June.

The Modern Apprenticeship programme lasts for three years starting with the two-week full-time induction, then day-release to gain underpinning knowledge and core skills.

There is also an SVQ component when the candidates’ skills are assessed by a college lecturer in the workplace. This is continuous throughout their apprenticeship.

“For some time now, Dundee College has worked in partnership with the life science companies in this area,” said Margaret Taylor, life science curriculum manager.

“Welcoming these Modern Apprenticeship candidates reinforces the links that have been forged between the college and industry.”

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