Following Collette’s insights into her teaching at Cogent Skills, we turn our focus to one of her apprentices, Katie. Under the guidance of her mentor, Katie has embraced her apprenticeship with dedication and enthusiasm, gaining invaluable skills that are critical to her role in the pharmaceutical industry. Katie’s journey includes her experiences at the STEM Centre in York and the bespoke Microbiology unit crafted and delivered by Collette. Through this training, Katie has not only honed her technical abilities but also developed the expertise necessary to ensure the microbiological safety of pharmaceutical products at Accord Healthcare Ltd.

As we wrap up our Biology Week series, Katie’s mentor provides further insights into her progress and contributions, stating:

Katie has completed the lab skills residential with us at the STEM centre in York and also completed a bespoke Microbiology unit written and delivered by Collette where she studied techniques used to grow and identify micro organisms in the laboratory.  She also studied the development of techniques such as gram staining which are used in her workplace. She completed a research project to compare the use of different techniques for which she gained a distinction grade.

As a Microbiologist at Accord Healthcare Ltd, Katie’s responsibilities are invaluable in ensuring the microbiological safety of pharmaceutical products. Her training encompasses a robust skill set in key microbiology and quality control techniques, such as aseptic technique, bacterial culture, sterilisation, microbiological testing (e.g. sterility, endotoxin, microbial limit), environmental monitoring, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices. Additionally, Katie develops proficiency in investigation, root cause analysis, report writing, and data analysis to identify and address any issues. Her work in these critical areas is essential for upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in the pharmaceutical industry.