Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
2024 RSC Apprentice Prize winner Harriet Bean explains why chemistry apprenticeships accelerate careers — and why more businesses should invest in them. Speaking at ChemUK 2025, she shares how starting as a BASF apprentice shaped her journey to becoming a Senior Process Chemist.
In this interview, Harriet Bean discusses the real impact chemistry apprenticeships have on young scientists and on the chemical sciences industry. Harriet shares how her apprenticeship helped her progress quickly, build confidence, and gain industry experience — ultimately earning the 2024 RSC Apprentice Prize.
She also explains why giving apprentices a platform matters, how the UK apprenticeship levy should be better utilised, and how recognition from the Royal Society of Chemistry helped expand her network and open new opportunities across the sector.
Harriet discusses:
• How apprenticeships help young scientists develop and progress faster
• Why businesses should make better use of the apprenticeship levy
• The importance of giving early‑career chemists a voice
• How RSC recognition helped expand her professional network
• Why companies should embrace apprenticeship schemes
This conversation is valuable for:
Students considering a chemistry apprenticeship
Employers thinking about offering one
Anyone interested in career pathways into the chemical sciences
👉 Learn more about RSC apprenticeships and early‑career support: rsc.org/standards-and-recognition/prizes/research-and-innovation-prizes/rsc-apprentice-prizes?utm_campaign=harriet_bean_apprentice_prize_winner_chemuk&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social_organic&utm_content=tgroup_all
#RSC #CHEMUK #Apprenticeships #ChemicalSciences #EarlyCareerChemists #BASF
2024 RSC Apprentice Prize winner Harriet Bean explains why chemistry apprenticeships accelerate careers — and why more businesses should invest in them. Speaking at ChemUK 2025, she shares how starting as a BASF apprentice shaped her journey to becoming a Senior Process Chemist.
In this interview, Harriet Bean discusses the real impact chemistry apprenticeships have on young scientists and on the chemical sciences industry. Harriet shares how her apprenticeship helped her progress quickly, build confidence, and gain industry experience — ultimately earning the 2024 RSC Apprentice Prize.
She also explains why giving apprentices a platform matters, how the UK apprenticeship levy should be better utilised, and how recognition from the Royal Society of Chemistry helped expand her network and open new opportunities across the sector.
Harriet discusses:
• How apprenticeships help young scientists develop and progress faster
• Why businesses should make better use of the apprenticeship levy
• The importance of giving early‑career chemists a voice
• How RSC recognition helped expand her professional network
• Why companies should embrace apprenticeship schemes
This conversation is valuable for:
Students considering a chemistry apprenticeship
Employers thinking about offering one
Anyone interested in career pathways into the chemical sciences
👉 Learn more about RSC apprenticeships and early‑career support: rsc.org/standards-and-recognition/prizes/research-and-innovation-prizes/rsc-apprentice-prizes?utm_campaign=harriet_bean_apprentice_prize_winner_chemuk&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social_organic&utm_content=tgroup_all
#RSC #CHEMUK #Apprenticeships #ChemicalSciences #EarlyCareerChemists #BASF
