Skip navigation

ATAC

Join our Ever-Growing Advanced Therapies Apprenticeship Community

Coordinated by the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, we are the Advanced Therapies Apprenticeship Community (ATAC). We aim to develop talent within the cell and gene therapy industry to meet its ever-growing needs.

By doing an apprenticeship with ATAC, you become part of a group of apprentices and employers who will be provided with ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship journey. The industry is looking for scientists and non-scientists alike as there are a variety of roles to choose from. An apprenticeship with us is a chance to begin your career path into an industry which is hugely rewarding and will help to transform people’s lives.

What is ATAC?

Watch this video to find out how ATAC supports the advanced therapies industry.

I found that an apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to begin a career in biological science. I get to study a subject I am passionate about whilst working amongst, and learning from, a team of experienced professionals.
Emily
Technician Scientist Apprentice, Replimune

Driving the Workforce of Tomorrow

Advanced therapies have the potential to address significant and growing unmet healthcare needs.

Whether you’re at the start of your career or building on your skillset, undertaking an apprenticeship means you can combine work with study by mixing on-the-job training with formal learning. On completion of your apprenticeship, not only will you obtain an accredited qualification, but you will also have gained new transferable skills which will help propel you into the professional workplace. An apprenticeship is made up of several components that are put together to create a ‘standard’, which, when complete, demonstrates occupational competence within the studied area. The programme structure will be based around competencies and skills, knowledge, behaviour and transferable skills. There are various levels ranging from level 2 up to level 7 across categories including: Research and Development, Science Manufacturing and Engineering, Leadership and Management, Quality and Regulatory and Logistics. Apprenticeships are a minimum of 12 months typically for an intermediate (level 2) programme and can be up to five years for higher (level 4 and 5) and degree (level 6 and 7) apprenticeships.

Perks and benefits

  • Employee assistance

  • Learning and development

  • Pension

  • Rewards and benefits

  • Wellbeing scheme

Testimonials

We kept progressing, improvising and learning.

There has always been good communication and explanation of what has been expected from us. I have been able to bring fresh ideas to different things and get the hands-on experience I wanted to gain.
Rafiul
Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician

A massive pat on the back

One of my proudest moments so far was Intertek trusting me to deliver a client’s project, to GMP requirements, on my own. This has been a massive pat on the back and shows how much my manager trusts me.
Lucy
Level 5 Technician Scientist

My proudest moments

There have been a few standout moments in my apprenticeship – like when I was getting ready for EPA and I looked back at everything I learnt over the last few years. It made me realise how much I’ve grown in my profession and how I have been trusted to train others.
Charlie
Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician
I decided to do a degree apprenticeship because I wanted to gain practical experience within the scientific research sector. At the same time, I wanted to progress with my studies without having to worry about being in debt. The best thing about this programme is that it seamlessly moulds the academic aspect of my degree with my time at the Catapult, thus allowing me to cover course content and continue with the responsibilities my role requires. The work environment at the Catapult is also very friendly and full of energy!
Nafisa
Research Technician Apprentice, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

University partners

Aston University, Birmingham

Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET

University of Kent

Recruitment and Admissions Office, Registry, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ

Manchester Metropolitan University

All Saints Building, All Saints, Manchester, M15 6BH

University of Strathclyde

McCance Building, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XQ

Culture

The Advanced Therapies Apprenticeship Community is the first apprenticeship programme designed specifically to train and upskill individuals in developing, manufacturing and delivering these innovative therapies at scale. ATAC really is a community. Whether you’re new to the industry or advancing your career, we are here to help. Not only will you receive ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship, ATAC will introduce you to the wider industry through networking events, provide you access to the ATSTN online platform, and provide complimentary learning activities such as site visits.

Values

The Advanced Therapy Apprenticeship Community adopt the four key values from the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. With our community being people focused, we aim to create an environment of trust where our apprentices can develop and progress to the fullest extent. We value the benefits of working collaboratively to achieve our goals faster and better whilst continuously learning from one another. Our aspiration to make the UK a global centre for cell and gene therapies is bold and we work towards it every day in partnership with our collaborators and stakeholders. We are innovators in all that we do, we are empowered to make decisions, try new things and discuss ideas openly. This is applicable beyond science and technology, it’s true for everyone who works with us.