Priestley student Caitlin McKenna has secured a Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship at a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company. 

After finishing A-Levels in Psychology, Biology and a diploma in Criminology she has embarked on a two-year apprenticeship at AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, combining both theory and practical work with industry professionals to gain a Level 3 qualification.

Caitlin offered the following advice to students considering an apprenticeship. 

“My advice would be to apply for as many apprenticeships as you can in the area that interests you,” she said. “Don’t be put off by rejection as the right one will come to you.”

Caitlin did also apply to university, after taking advice from Priestley’s careers adviser Amy Heald, but decided an apprenticeship was the right route for her.

“I find exams are a challenge and too much pressure so I believed this would be more beneficial for my learning style,” she said. 

Our careers team helped Caitlin with her applications, preparation for her interviews and assisted her to make the best presentation to secure an apprenticeship. 

Caitlin’s advice for an apprenticeship interview is: “Be yourself and don’t try to be the perfect candidate, show your personality as most companies like to see who you are as a person not just what qualifications you bring. Believe in yourself and you will do well.”