Holly Sellars, University Technician

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What I do

I help researchers who are doing scientific studies carry out experiments safely, by making sure all the equipment and chemicals they need are ready and used properly. I teach people how to work safely in our cleanrooms (sterile rooms completely free of dust) and help fix or maintain equipment like microscopes and chillers. Without people like me, the science research into new technologies wouldn’t happen as smoothly.

How I became a technician

After my GCSEs, I looked at loads of options, including sixth form and college. I felt a bit burnt out from the classroom and wanted something more hands-on.

I saw an advert on the government’s ‘find an apprenticeship’ website for a Level 3 laboratory technician apprenticeship, based at the University of Manchester. I applied because it sounded interesting and full of things I’d never tried before, plus I liked the idea of idea of learning on the job and getting paid whilst I found out what parts of science I enjoyed most.

How I became a technician

I was successful and started the apprenticeship soon after. Every few months I was placed in a different lab, so I got experience working in the chemistry and biology labs used for teaching university students, and also the labs where science research was taking place.

I learnt how to set up experiments, support researchers and work with all sorts of high-end equipment. I really enjoyed getting stuck in and discovering what I was good at.

How I became a technician

One of my placements was at the National Graphene Institute, where scientists are researching the uses of a new material called Graphene, which is made from layers of carbon only one atom thick.

A job vacancy opened up there a few months before my apprenticeship ended, and I applied. I got the job, and my manager let me carry on going to college one day a week, so that I could complete my apprenticeship.

How I became a technician

Being able to finish my apprenticeship felt amazing, and the support from my manager helped me move straight into my current role. Doing an apprenticeship helped me build experience and confidence, as well as developing lots of skills.

Now I’m in my job full-time, working towards a promotion and I have many opportunities open to me, including the option to complete a Level 6 degree apprenticeship, so I can carry on learning more.

A typical day in my working life

My day usually starts around 9.30am. First, I put on my full clean suit including hood, boots, gloves and face mask, then I head into the cleanroom. Keeping dust out of the cleanroom is really important, so we have to dress carefully every time.

I start by checking the lab, laying out items people will need, topping up supplies and making sure everything is clean and ready.

A typical day in my working life

Some days I run training sessions, showing new researchers how to use the equipment safely, or how to handle chemicals like acids and bases.

Once someone proves they understand the process, I update their security access so they can book time in the clean room and use the equipment themselves.

A typical day in my working life

In the afternoon, I do things like cleaning and maintenance on microscopes and other equipment, preparing chemicals or checking my emails. I also keep an eye on paperwork like risk assessments and safety forms.

It really depends on what needs doing that day – no two days are the same, and I love that. I usually finish at 5.30pm.

What I love about my job

I love the variety. Every day is different and I never feel bored. We are always looking at ways to improve the cleanrooms, so I love being involved in new projects and working in a job where I can continue to grow and develop. I also love how much I’ve learnt in such a short time. When I started, I didn’t have a clue about half the stuff I do now. It’s amazing to look back and see the progress.

I also really enjoy chatting to the researchers who use the facilities. They work on tiny samples of graphene that can be just millimetres or nanometres wide. It’s interesting to find out what they’re working on and how they’re using the equipment I look after. My team is another thing I love. They’re always there to support me, answer my questions and help me learn new things. Everyone’s really friendly and it makes a big difference – it makes work a great place to be.

The skills I use most

Problem solving is a big part of what I do. If someone tells me a microscope isn’t working, I need to figure out what’s wrong by going through everything step by step, until I find the issue. Communication is really important too because I’ve got to explain safety rules clearly and stay in touch with my team to keep things running smoothly.

I also need good time management because I plan my own schedule and need to make sure I meet my deadlines. My job isn’t watched over every minute, so I have to be proactive and get things done without being reminded. Attention to detail matters a lot too, especially in a cleanroom. Even one drip of chemical on the outside of a beaker or some dust on a glove can become a safety risk or cause contamination.

I’m lucky to work with a brilliant, supportive team. Everyone helps each other and shares what they know.

I love how much I’ve learnt in such a short time.

Try new things, enjoy what you do and don’t be afraid to take a different route if it feels right for you.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

I’m lucky to work with a brilliant, supportive team. Everyone helps each other and shares what they know. There are people who’ve worked here for ten years and seem to know the answer to everything. It’s great being able to go to them with questions and learn from their experience.

It’s also a really social place to work. I chat a lot with the researchers and enjoying finding out what exciting science they’re working on. I like being part of something bigger.

My favourite piece of equipment

There’s a machine called the dicing saw which I think is amazing, even though it’s a bit scary! It’s used to cut really thin, glass-like wafers into tiny squares. These squares can be turned into things like computer chips or SD cards. You have to line everything up perfectly before the saw cuts, which takes real concentration. I’m trained to use it, but I still get a bit nervous each time because it’s so precise and powerful.

What I like to do in my spare time

I love going to the gym and doing weight training. I also really enjoy bouldering – indoor climbing without ropes. Cooking is another big one for me. I like planning and prepping my meals for the week, which helps me stay organised.

At weekends or in the evenings, I often hang out with friends, have movie nights or just chill out listening to music. I’ve tried loads of hobbies, like crocheting, but most of them only last a few weeks before I move on to the next thing!

My school days

At school, I did triple science, Spanish, geography, food and nutrition and a further maths qualification. I liked music too – I played the steel drums in an after-school group and spent time with friends who played other instruments.

I also liked being outdoors and playing sports like tennis. School was good, but I was ready for something different when it ended.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

One of the things I’m most proud of is becoming the main training person for certain chemicals in the lab. It shows how much I’ve grown in confidence and skills since I started. Finishing my apprenticeship and getting my full-time job was a huge moment too. It felt amazing to know that all my hard work had paid off.

I also loved appearing on the BBC Bitesize Careers tour, which Technicians: We Make the Difference is a part of, and talking to secondary school students about what I do.

A surprising fact about my job

Even though I work in science, I spend a lot of time doing tests in the background and making sure things are clean and tidy. The clean room has to be spotless because even tiny bits of dust or spilled chemicals could ruin someone’s experiment. I have to wear a full clean suit, wipe down equipment, monitor the environment and check for contamination all the time.

There are temperature and humidity monitors to make sure the clean room stays at the right levels and particle counters to make sure there is no dust in the air, because even small changes can affect experiments. It’s all about the tiny details – even making sure my gloves are on properly is important. Keeping everything perfect helps the research go smoothly.

The next steps in my career journey

I’m hoping to get a promotion soon and move up to the next level. I’ve also got the opportunity to complete a Level 6 degree apprenticeship and to get trained on more equipment, which the university will support me with. I’m excited to keep learning and building on what I already know.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Take your time, there’s no rush! When I was choosing my apprenticeship, I was worried it was longer than some other courses, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. Everyone has their own path, so don’t stress about doing things the same way as everyone else or being on a certain timeline. Try new things, enjoy what you do and don’t be afraid to take a different route if it feels right for you.