Randox announces launch of APEX programme 2018 for first year QUB and Ulster University students
Randox announces launch of APEX programme 2018 for first year QUB and Ulster University students
Global health diagnostics provider Randox has launched the third year of its innovative APEX Programme. The APEX Programme is a unique career package which offers first year students a paid 8-week summer work experience between first and second year, a paid placement year in their third year of study and, finally, a graduate job if they complete their degree with a 2:1 or above.
There are many different disciplines which are critical for Randox’s global operations, from pioneering research and development scientists to business strategists, savvy marketing teams to top-level engineering departments.
The APEX programme is open to all students currently studying biological sciences but also those studying business, marketing, maths, physics, graphic design, computer science and any form of engineering.
The APEX Programme is like no other in the UK and Randox were pleased to recruit 20 first-year students last year after a high number of applications. The difficulty for students trying to find work experience and a coveted graduate position has been highlighted in recent years. In 2016, official UK government figures reported that one-in-three young graduates were working in low-skilled jobs, being unable to find work which matched their skills. In the same year there was a 2.2% drop in the number of 21 to 30-year-old graduates in skilled worked compared with the year earlier.
The APEX Programme application process is as unique as the programme itself. No CVs or lengthy application forms needed – just submit a 15 second video on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and 140 character cover note telling us why you are the one for Randox, including hashtags #IAmTheOneQUB or #IAmTheOneUU, depending on your university. It really is that simple! Submit your video from 27th November to 8th December 2017 to be in the running to join the Randox team.
Graduates often face tough competition for jobs in their field of study once they leave university. It’s a well-known cycle for budding young professionals ready to enter their first graduate job – how can I gain the vital experience needed when many roles cite a year or more work experience as an essential requirement?
Linda Magee, Randox Human Resources Manager, says initiatives like the Randox APEX Programme are essential.
“Graduates leave university and enter a tough environment, where expectations are high and competition is fierce. The ones who do best are those who can get the necessary real-life work experience in their area of expertise.
“Randox believes in giving young people a chance to make their mark by taking on real responsibilities right from the start. Undergraduates will work side-by-side with our top teams in science research, manufacturing, engineering, business, marketing and many other disciplines who are working on ground-breaking diagnostic innovations and campaigns which will make an impact globally.
“As a result, the APEX programme gives our recruits incredible confidence in their abilities. It’s also very important to us that the programme offers paid placements which last for the duration of their degree, so they are able to focus on their studies while working towards a graduate position with a world-leading company after graduation.”
Lee Armstrong, who is studying chemistry at Ulster University, completed his first placement with the APEX Programme in summer 2016 and is now back completing his placement year in the clinical chemistry team. He said:
“I was attracted to the APEX Programme because it was completely different from any other company’s placement – nowhere else do you get a summer placement, a year placement and then a job after graduating if I achieve a 2:1.
“I am currently on my one-year placement, which has allowed me to gain experience with real-life projects. I’m not treated like a student at all – I’m treated like another scientist in the team and I get to work on real projects.
“I would recommend students to apply for the APEX Programme because you gain invaluable experience throughout your degree, there’s the possibility of a job in your field at the end of it – and the application video is much easier than labouring over a CV!”
In 2015, 5% of the world’s population received a diagnosis using a Randox product. It is a world-leading diagnostics company which is developing state-of-the-art facilities at the Science Park in Antrim. It has 1400 employees and operates in 145 countries.
More information about the APEX Programme can be found at http://iamtheone.randox.com
The Only Way is Apex
Global biotechnology firm Randox Laboratories, in partnership with Queen’s University, Belfast, is offering STEM and Business Management students a chance to reach the top, with a new industrial training programme.
Today (Wed 4th March), the award winning clinical diagnostics company, kick starts ‘Randox Apex’, a scheme which will create up to 40 opportunities each year, for full time undergraduate students at Queen’s.
The industrial training will see selected students awarded paid, full-time summer work experience throughout their degree, a paid placement for their Professional Experience Year and after graduation, they will be offered jobs with Randox, subject to gaining a 2:1 or above.
First year students from the School of Management; Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EEECS); Mathematics & Physics; Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry and the School of Biological Sciences, will be eligible to apply to Randox Apex.
Randox Apex students will be placed in divisions spanning the breadth of the company and in various locations; from Randox’s headquarters in Crumlin; to its high-spec forensics laboratory in Manchester; to its flagship diagnostics clinic in London and the new Randox Science Park in Antrim, opportunities at Randox Teoranta in Donegal and at Randox’s facility in the Greater Washington area, USA, could also be available. The aim is to develop skills across the board as, Randox Human Resources Manager, Linda Magee explains:
“Students accepted onto Randox Apex will be working with and learning from the best, across a range of departments within their discipline. They might be assisting our ground-breaking research into tests for cancer, kidney disease and Alzheimer’s, they could be working on engineering cutting edge diagnostic technology, they’ll have the opportunity to experience a busy forensics laboratory, or they could be joining our business development teams as they expand the Randox footprint across the globe.
“We are delighted to be partnering Queen’s in this new programme and look forward to nurturing new generations of pioneering scientists, engineers and business leaders.”
Speaking at the launch of Randox Apex at Queen’s Student Guidance Hub, Professor David Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, said: “At Queen’s we are committed to providing an exceptional student experience and high quality education that leads to excellent career opportunities for our graduates.
“This exciting training scheme, run in partnership with Randox Laboratories, will offer our STEM and Business Management students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and skills, test themselves in the workplace, and prove they have the attributes needed to gain employment at one of Northern Ireland’s most pioneering companies.”
