At CSR Scientific Training, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team plays a crucial part in delivering the Ofsted Outstanding science and healthcare science apprenticeships that help shape the next generation of scientific talent.

This week, as part of our new Meet the Team series, we’re shining a light on the people who make CSR what it is, sharing their journeys, their passions, and the vital role they play in supporting our learners, employers, and partners.

We’re excited to introduce Simon Jukes, our Director of People and Systems. Simon ensures our organisation runs smoothly behind the scenes – from building a strong, supportive team culture to implementing the systems and processes that help us deliver exceptional learning experiences.

What’s your role at CSR Scientific Training?
I am the Director of People and Systems, my areas of responsibility are varied but I try to ensure that the people, processes, and technologies across CSR work seamlessly together so that learners, employers, and staff all receive the highest quality experience.

What does your day-to-day work involve?
My work should be a balance of strategic planning and practical problem-solving (at least that is what I tell people), but the truth is I end up not really knowing what I am going to be doing once I sit down at my desk. On one hand, I oversee our internal IT systems, am Head of Centre for our AO’s, and I ensure data security. On the other, I support staff development, and performance management procedures so that our teams can deliver the very best outcomes for apprentices. On top of this I troubleshoot, meaning, dealing with printers, ordering equipment, booking hotel rooms, ordering student laptops, branded clothing and paying expenses to name but a few of my jobs.

What brought you into this line of work?
I have always been interested in how organisations grow and adapt, my father started his own business, and my brother has done the same so it runs through my DNA. My background in science and education gave me a natural pathway into apprenticeships, but it was the opportunity to build a company that genuinely supports people—both learners and colleagues—that drew me to this field.

Why did you choose to work in apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships combine two things I believe in strongly: access to opportunity and practical skills development. They give people from all backgrounds a chance to build a meaningful career, while also ensuring that industries like science have the skilled workforce they need. I was definitely the type of person that would have benefitted from doing a science apprenticeship but those pathways were just not available at the time when I needed them – it is good to be in a position now to drive these opportunities forward while improving quality at the same time.

What’s one achievement you’re most proud of in your career so far?
Being involved with CSR during the process that resulted in our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ grade is something I am very proud of. It was not about one person in the organisation, but about building the right systems and culture to allow our staff and apprentices to succeed. I am constantly amazed and humbled that something I helped to build attracts so many talented and devoted people who want to teach, support and develop apprentices in the sector.

Favourite book, podcast, or TV show that inspires or relaxes you?
For inspiration, I often turn to books on sports leadership and how people reach the zenith of their chosen sports, there are so many inspiring stories that come from sport that you can lean on . For relaxation, I enjoy documentaries—especially those that explore science and history, I also don’t mind too much if I am forced to go to the pub, a rugby game at Northampton Saints or indeed Twickenham.

If you weren’t working in science/apprenticeships, what would you be doing?
I would likely be working in a scientific field where I can help people. I used to be a DNA analyst with the Home Office Forensic Science Service and although a lot has changed in that part of the sector over the last 25 years I would be very proud to still be a part of that scientific community with so many dedicated people.

What does the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating mean to you personally?
It is an important recognition that the culture we have built at CSR—focusing on both quality and care—really works. Personally, it validates the effort we put into building robust systems that never lose sight of the individual learner. However, we will not be patting ourselves on the back for too long. Outstanding only means something if we deliver that level of service everyday and not standing still, there is always a lot more to do.

How do you see CSR shaping the future of science and skills training?
We are positioning ourselves at the forefront of life sciences and healthcare skills development. That means not only training apprentices for today’s laboratories and hospitals, but also preparing them for the technologies, regulations, and workforce needs of tomorrow. We see artificial intelligence or artificial general intelligence making huge strides in healthcare science impacting lives globally, the challenge of keeping up with those advancements in our teaching and learning is something that is very exciting for everyone here.

What message would you give to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship with us?
If you are motivated to learn, we will match that with the highest level of support and opportunity. An apprenticeship with CSR Scientific Training is not only a route to a qualification but also a gateway into a meaningful career in science.

Favourite quote or piece of advice you live by?
“Systems should serve people, not the other way round.” Is a good one but my current favourite and leaning back into AI is “Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.” by Alan Turing.

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I once jumped out of a plane, a perfectly good one, and I also had to take a lie detector test once – if you bump into me, I will explain.

Connect with Simon on LinkedIn.

Interested to learn more about CSR? Discover the apprenticeship standards we run here, we’re proud to be the UK’s first Ofsted Outstanding Science Apprenticeship provider.