Pros
Hard work is recognised and rewarded
Chances for progression and training (grading system, and internal promotions favoured over external)
Week-long training academy offered with paid accommodation
Close-knit work teams who support each other, including management who always have an open door and listen to anything you wish to discuss.
Chance to finish early if all work is complete
Weekly communication meetings between lab staff and management where staff have the opportunity to raise points and suggestions about improvements, operations, lab requirements etc.
ALS core values
I started my career with ALS with an apprenticeship, which soon became full time employment. After 18 months of hard work, genuinely caring for my team and the work done, and some very stressful busy times, I was finally rewarded with a promotion to team leader. Passion, loyalty, and appreciation of the job and the quality of the work you do gets you far. For me it then landed me with a Section Head position after only 2 and a half years. Since then I have had a flexible working request granted to accommodate my home life which makes me feel extremely valued and appreciated for the work I have done over the years. ALS have also paid for me to go to seminars, training courses, and group meetings in order to further my knowledge and experience.
Cons
Busy environment
Can be stressful
Sometimes overtime is needed to finish the work
Staff morale can be brought down when busy, especially when people want rewards and benefits before they have done the hard work. If you are patient and gracious you will get it!