Apprenticeships at Alfred H Knight play a key role in developing our people and helping them build rewarding careers. Through the programme, individuals can take their first step into the industry, learn from experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience, and build the confidence needed to thrive.

This commitment to growth has built skills and nurtured a strong sense of purpose across AHK. Today, we’re showcasing two of our longstanding colleagues and AHK’s very first UK apprentices, highlighting their journey from apprenticeship to fully fledged careers at Alfred H Knight.

MEET AARON DUNNE, ICP-MS OPERATOR

Kickstarting His Career Through An Apprenticeship

Aaron started his career with AHK in 2018 and began his apprenticeship as a Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprentice in 2021. Having found out about Alfred H Knight’s apprentice scheme from an advertisement at college, the role was ideal for him.

“I didn’t think I’d enjoy full-time university and was looking for apprenticeships to start earning a wage whilst continuing to learn,” Aaron explained. “It sounded like an exciting company to work for with multiple opportunities to develop.”

His Biggest Learning Moments

“I would say there’ve been multiple moments, but they all involved me gaining a deeper understanding of the instruments I use to get to a point where I can repair and maintain them completely independently.”

Developing Alongside The Role 

Over the years, Aaron has progressed through the analytical team. “I’ve developed from being an ICP Preparation Technician to an ICP-OES Instrument user. Now, I’m trusted with the day-to-day operations, maintenance and troubleshooting of our ICP-MS instrumentation.”

Support and Mentorship

Throughout Aaron’s journey, he has received valuable guidance and encouragement from both colleagues and mentors. 

“The ICP management and skills coaches at my university have supported me massively in my training and development. This gave me the knowledge and skills base that I now have.”

Aaron’s Advice for New Apprentices

“Be prepared to work hard, show initiative and treat every conversation as a learning opportunity.”

MEET ADAM MOSS, SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

What Inspired Him to Join AHK as an Apprentice

Like many students, Adam was unsure what he wanted to do after school. “I was always torn between whether to take the university or apprenticeship route.” This changed after AHK delivered a presentation about the apprentice programme at his college. 

“I was really impressed and interested by what AHK had to offer in terms of its laboratory facilities and opportunities for progression and development under its experienced staff members and the university alongside it.”

His Biggest Learning Moments

“It’s difficult to pin down an individual moment, but reaching a stage where I can see an assay through from its initial trial stages to reporting its results has given me a much deeper understanding of the materials we analyse and the methods used to analyse them.”

“I have also spent time supervising the PM weighing team, which allowed me to develop my ability to manage workload and people, giving feedback whilst ensuring work is completed efficiently.”

How His Role Evolved

Adam began his journey as a Laboratory Technician, learning the different disciplines of AHK’s precious metal laboratories. He is now a Senior Laboratory Technician. “I can decide the analytical routes most suitable for an assay, whilst also evaluating and exporting the results that these analyses produce.

Support and Mentorship

Adam has received a great deal of support since joining AHK. “The team and management team of PM Laboratory Technicians, and my mentor and staff at my university, have all played a part in my development since I joined in 2018.”

Adam’s Advice for New Apprentices

“My advice would be to work hard, manage your time wisely, apply yourself and don’t be afraid to take an opportunity.”

Discover the stories behind our colleagues’ success

Thank you to Aaron Dunne and Adam Moss for sharing their stories. Click here to see how we’re investing in learning and development.