Academy will train army of laboratory technicians

Targeting applicants from all backgrounds and stages in life with an interest in science and a passion for physical and mental wellbeing, the eight-week intensive training programme comprises theoretical and practical learning combined with ‘on the job’ training and ongoing, one-to-one mentoring. The programme will equip students not only with the technical skills required to work in a Lab, but also broader social and life skills focused on customer service and commercial interaction.

The Academy formally conduct the first selection process in May, with successful candidates set to be invited to attend one of four C1H Laboratories in Guildford, Heysham, Barrow-in-Furness, and Central Scotland. Students will receive a salary based on the Living Wage Foundation wage during their training, with an opportunity for a career within the C1H Group upon successful qualification. Up to 20 training positions will be made available in the initial cohort and more as the success grows.

Claire Wise, people director at C1H, believes the Academy is an opportunity for people to make a real difference, “It’s a chance for people to be part of something truly innovative and entrepreneurial,” she says. “The syllabus is devised by a business that is disrupting and redefining how we upskill and reskill people, whilst having a real focus on mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing in the workplace.

“We’re looking for amazing people with a genuine drive and ambition, who welcome the chance of achieving something extraordinary. You could be a school or college leaver, a young parent returning to work after a career break, someone looking for a new growing industry, or a more mature candidate looking for a complete career change with a greater sense of purpose. If you not only have good literacy and numeracy skills, but also an interest in science and the enthusiasm and drive to make a difference, we’d like to hear from you.”

Claire says that attitude is everything: “We are a values-led, people-focused business and we want to see the same behaviours from those who we train. The training will be very demanding but similarly very rewarding and potentially even life changing. You will be fully supported by a fantastic team of trainers and the wider C1H family.”

Stuart MacLennan, chief executive of C1H, says the aspirations of the business are continually evolving, “While we have built an enviable reputation supporting mission critical businesses with end-to-end testing and screening services for COVID-19, there is now an appetite to expand what we do even further.

“We see a future role in supporting businesses in creating even safer environments in which to work, and where their employees’ mental and physical health is uppermost in their minds. To do this, we need to upskill our own people and create a new army of Laboratory Technicians to address future needs and new ‘norms’.

“We also see an opportunity to give something back to the communities in which we work and employ local people,” he adds. “The Genie is out of the bottle, and rather than trying to force it back, we need to embrace change and see the positive good that can come from the global pandemic.”

Based in Cumbria, and with sites all over the UK, C1H delivers bespoke testing and screening services for businesses including BAE Systems, Sellafield, and EDF.