Award-winning apprentice who worked on the frontline during the pandemic

The Brighton Effect is that ripple of energy that grows with you during your time at the University of Brighton, and throughout your life. Uniquely individual, you carry it with you through time, careers, passions, curiosities, travel, discoveries, teaching and learnings.

Meghann Creffield is a Biomedical Scientist, working in her local hospital’s Biochemistry department. She graduated in 2020 from the University of Brighton with a degree in Applied Biomedical Science (BSc) through the degree apprenticeship route.

How the apprenticeship route helped land me my dream job

“Becoming a Biomedical Scientist has been a dream of mine for a very long time. My apprenticeship opened a gateway for me into higher education and career development, that led directly to a promotion within the NHS. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that are now available to me because of the programme.

“As a young mother I was unable to undertake a more traditional degree route due to time and money constraints. Between my personal circumstances and a lack of confidence in myself, I presumed that a degree-level qualification was something I could never achieve.

“I have been incredibly lucky to have started my working life in the scientific field as a Medical Laboratory Assistant within Pathology at the Royal Sussex Country Hospital. My department are incredibly proactive at selecting candidates to be put forward for a robust training pathway including academic qualifications. I was selected for this pathway and, alongside raising my family and working, I was able to complete a Foundation degree and an applied degree apprenticeship BSc.

“This was only possible with the flexibility of the apprenticeship framework and the full support of my employers.”

Career success and achievements so far

“I was very lucky to be granted an award for outstanding contribution to an employer by an employee. This award was granted to me for research I was facilitated to do at the Royal Sussex County Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I helped implement a test in the biochemistry department that helps with the care of Covid positive patients. I was incredibly proud to win an award for the work I did in my degree. My kids were so so proud of me that they put a newspaper clipping about the award on the fridge!”

Advice for people considering the apprenticeship route to get a degree

“It’s never too late! I did badly in school, then had my children young. I had to start over with my education part-time in my 20s and I didn’t graduate university until I was 35. Now I have a stable career as a scientist and I even won an award for my dissertation. It’s never too late to start a career or follow up on something you think you missed out on.”

Support received whilst at the University of Brighton

“I received support via student services as I am dyslexic, and they helped me greatly with my Student Support Plan and cascading this to my lecturers and tutors.  I found the whole student support services team extremely friendly and helpful.  The information they provided me was clear and of great use.”