Developing our people

We’re empowering our people to fulfil their potential right across our organisation through:

Training opportunities that range from our Phlebotomy Academy to customer service, health and safety, mental health first aid and IBMS qualifications
Management and leadership development programmes, which provide transformative ways to thrive
Apprenticeships ranging from healthcare science to team leaders, project management, quality, IT, finance and senior leadership
Funded self-directed professional development focussed on scientific or role specific qualifications
Our Future Leaders in Innovation programme that nurtures talent, encourages ideas and helps colleagues reach their potential
Specialist Research Forums for healthcare scientists from across our business to share ideas, learning, innovations and best practice to support better patient care and outcomes

“What I love about SYNLAB is the consistent support I’ve received throughout my career. Over the past 10 years, I’ve have had the opportunity to progress from an entry-level Medical Laboratory Assistant role to my current position as a Senior Biomedical Scientist— something that has only been possible thanks to the incredible support of my colleagues, who have become like family.

I’ve greatly benefited from the development opportunities offered by SYNLAB, including the successful completion of my IBMS training and specialist portfolios. More recently, I’ve also made use of initiatives such as the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Agile Fund, which is currently supporting me through my PhD studies. These initiatives empower staff to continually grow and advance in their careers.”

Jeyrroy Gabriel, Senior Biomedical Scientist, Synnovis

Professional Development

One of the ways we support professional development for our colleagues is through funding of both scientific and non-scientific qualifications.

Applications for our Scientific Learning and Development Fund and Professional Development Fund are open to colleagues in all roles, at all levels, and across all our locations, helping us stay at the forefront of pathology and patient care.

Leadership Development

Through our Management Development Programme and Delivering Excellence in Leadership Programme we’re supporting current and future leaders to strengthen their skills and grow in their roles. Through a combination of face-to-face workshops, e-learning and capstone projects these programmes enable our leaders to better manage and support their teams.

We’re also passionate about developing the leaders of the future through our Future Leaders in Innovation programme. The two-year programme brings together early career colleagues to develop their skills, build confidence and strengthen their networks through mentoring and self-directed projects.

The ACCE framework

One of the many ways we support the development of our people is through our ACCE behavioural competency framework. It outlines key behaviours and standards that help colleagues perform effectively in their roles, and offers clear guidance to support high performance, personal development and consistent people processes across the organisation, helping to create and maintain a positive culture.

Apprenticeships

As well as our flagship Healthcare Science Apprenticeship Scheme, we support other scientific apprenticeships from Level 3 laboratory technicians upwards.

Non-scientific apprenticeships are available in areas such as IT, HR, business administration, project management, quality, digital and data, and sustainability and management.

All our apprentices benefit from a combination of theoretical learning, opportunities for hands-on learning and support from experienced professionals within their working team.

Get in touch to speak to someone about becoming a SYNLAB apprentice.

Read some of our apprentices’ stories

Shellie Boreiko – completed a Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship (Aspire into Management) – SPS

“This course highlighted the importance of first line management, the skills and behaviours that are crucial in leading a team in this modern era. I encourage anyone who hasn’t done a course like this to enrol, even if you have many years’ experience in team leading. In addition to the practical aspects, it also helped me learn much about myself as a leader and how this is an integral part of managing my team successfully.”

Shellie Boreiko – completed a Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship (Aspire into Management) – SPS

Emmanuel Folurunsho, Medical Laboratory Assistant

“The combination of studying and working in the same field was not only useful, but it made so much of what I studied more understandable. The knowledge and context from working in a lab is something I wouldn’t have had if I’d only worked in the field after finishing university. It was invaluable to me.”

Emmanuel Folurunsho, Medical Laboratory Assistant

Leigh Gregg, Laboratory Technician

“I have been able to relate a lot of what I have learned at university to my job in the laboratory. I gained a lot of knowledge through the apprenticeship that translates into my progress towards becoming a BMS.”

Leigh Gregg, Laboratory Technician

Nikita Delgaty, POCT Manager in Routine Chemistry

L3 Aspire into Management Apprenticeship
July 2023 – October 2024

“The leadership and management course equipped me with the knowledge to help lead a team with clarity, empathy, and accountability.

I learnt how to communicate effectively setting clear expectations and listening actively and supporting others by motivating while providing guidance and feedback. It is crucial to lead by example demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and resilience. I am better aware of making informed decisions and balancing the teams’ needs with service goals. I understand to encourage growth developing potential through coaching whilst continuing to adapt responding to change constructively and through driving innovation.

SYNLAB’s leadership development ecosystem is robust from structured competence-based programmes to peer-led innovation and formal coaching built around real-world application. This opportunity equipped me with confidence, credibility, and capabilities to lead teams, drive improvement, and step into strategic roles. If you’re motivated by continuous learning and aspire to make an impact, these opportunities genuinely accelerate leadership growth.”

Nikita Delgaty, POCT Manager in Routine Chemistry

Vicky Shah, Service Delivery Manager in Phlebotomy

L5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship
May 2022 – September 2023

“I really felt the need to complete a qualification in operational management and I enjoyed the flexibility that the apprenticeship offered. I would recommend this programme to others; however, it may not be realistic to complete it in a year where there are numerous projects going live. To successfully complete the programme whilst doing my job meant that the time management was quite challenging, given the projects that affected my department, but I was really determined to ringfence time for studying. I felt a sense of achievement once I had completed it and appreciate the qualification that I have gained. This has also equipped me to coach some of my team members completing the L3 Aspire into Management Team Leader Apprenticeship.”

Vicky Shah, Service Delivery Manager in Phlebotomy