Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprentice with AstraZeneca, Emily Butterworth, has made her mark in Manchester Metropolitan University’s history as the first bioscience apprentice from the institution to be highly commended in the Royal Society of Biology’s Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024.  

Celebrated during Biology Week, the awards ceremony was held at the Royal Geographical Society in South Kensington, London, and attended by over 100 guests. The award showcases apprenticeships as a valuable career path and spotlights the contributions that apprentices make to the workforce, with four apprentices recognised for their work this year.  

Regarding her recognition at the awards, Emily said: “I’d like to thank my mentors and managers at both AstraZeneca and Manchester Metropolitan University for supporting me throughout my apprenticeship so far. This journey has helped me grow both professionally and personally, gaining valuable technical and soft skills along the way. I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route. It’s a fantastic way to learn, gain experience, and contribute to meaningful work.”  

Emily’s journey into the world of science began in secondary school. Inspired by her microbiologist teacher, she explored alternative pathways to the traditional university route. “When I stumbled upon the AstraZeneca and Manchester Met degree apprenticeship, I thought, ‘this sounds too good to be true’, but I’m so glad I took the leap”, she said.   

Reflecting on her experience, Emily described the application process for the award as both straightforward and enlightening. “It was great to sit down and think about everything I’ve accomplished so far. The application asked me to reflect on my competencies and experiences, which really helped me consolidate my journey,” she explained.  

When asked about how she feels being the first Manchester Met bioscience apprentice to receive this award, Emily shared: “I feel incredibly honoured that my work has been acknowledged. It drives me to continue pushing myself and to help other apprentices find their own paths.”   

Reflecting on the support she received from Manchester Met and how it helped her achieve this award, she stated, “The induction was really helpful, and the annual residentials provide excellent opportunities to network and learn from each other. Also, the guidance from my skills coach and everyone at the University has been fantastic.”  

Discover more about Emily's apprenticeship journey in this video where she shares insights about her experiences with both AstraZeneca and Manchester Met.   

Get involved  

Stories like Emily’s showcase how the future of bioscience apprenticeships at Manchester Met is bright. With dedicated apprentices like her leading the way, the University is committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals ready to make a positive impact in the biosciences sector.  

Find out more about the Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship in Bioscience and how it can help your organisation build a talent pipeline