IT Automation Apprentice Review

For the first 18 months of my apprenticeship, while I am studying towards a Level 3 qualification, I am based in site IT Automation. This involves all IT systems and automation which surround the production lines. My main responsibilities and duties consist of administrating a site wide production metric system called Activplant which is used across the entire site to monitor how the production lines perform and more. I also work with a system called IP.21 which is a realtime database system which collects data which is used to make business decisions based on how certain systems and production lines are performing. Both of these systems are critical to the site and I had a large responsibility in the running of both of them as soon as I knew how they worked! Even though I am an apprentice, most of the time I do not feel like one. I am treated like a member of the department like everyone else and given real responsibilities to work on. I also sometimes deal directly with suppliers and customers on issues or future projects. I am currently involved in a project where a new production line is being built at my site and I am working closely to implement the Activplant system and make it an example to the rest. On a day-to-day basis I work on issues which come through on the ticketing system and also check the servers and resolve any issues that I come across. It is hard to say what else I do on a day-to-day basis as it is so varied! One day I might be building a new development server and the next I might be working on a production line solving a critical issue and being personally asked to assist so the line can be made operational again. (This actually happened!)

The amount of training and development opportunities is crazy! I have my general apprenticeship work which is based on what I do at work and I also have industry recognized courses which I regularly attend. Within my first month of being with GSK I was sent to Reading for the week for a training course on the software we use IP.21 and how to administrate it. This was a week long stay in a hotel (all paid for) while I trained and it was a truly great opportunity. I have also recently been put through an ITIL certification and am expected to be attending another course with another software vendor soon. Internal training is excellent! You are not expected to do something to which you are not trained on and the workplace culture means you are never afraid to ask for help. If you think that you will benefit from a certain course, the chances are they will pay for you to do it!

Every aspect of the apprenticeship is brilliant. Even my formal apprenticeship training. My assessor who visits me regularly is extremely helpful and a general nice person. The team I am a part of are a great group of people both inside and outside of work! We regularly go out after work for Curry and beers and we all get along. The workplace culture is also brilliant. If I ever feel like its getting too much or I have too much work, I can just ask for help and other people in my team will happily pitch in and help. It goes the other way too. If its quiet, theres plenty of work to go around. GSK has by far exceeded my expectations. I came in thinking it would be a fairly formal office job which I wasn't too sure on. However, the atmosphere is really relaxed and fun. Also I have a lot of variety in my work which makes it so much more enjoyable.

The support network at GSK is fantastic. My line manager is a really nice person who really cares about me and how I am doing. As well as my manager, my supervisor and custodian also provide a bucket load of support. They all want whats best for me and if at any point I don't feel happy, I know I could go to any of them. The work I do also doesn't go un-noticed. When I helped repair the production line and got it running again, I got mentioned and thanked in the weekly engineering meetings and also got a gift card and a thank you from the head of manufacturing. This may not sound like that much but it feels fantastic to be appreciated even when only being with the company for a few months.

The programme itself is really well thought out. The way everything is based on your work means that you do not have to do apprentice work which is not related to your job. Everything you do has a meaning. Like I said before, the support network is brilliant. So is the programme structure. You get as much support as you need and help when you need it the most.

I meet with my assessor at least monthly who provides advice on how I can improve and what I am doing well. They are prompt and detailed with marking and are always contactable. The units I do are also structured around what I do in my job so I don't do unnecessary work.

I get as much support as I need and I have loads of people who I can turn to. I have my manager, supervisor, apprentice custodian, fellow team members and a graduated apprentice who has been where I am and we meet regularly. People generally care about my success.

For an apprentice, the starting salary is pretty good. Much higher than others! Also within months of starting you get a pay raise and bonus depending on your performance. Any time I need to travel outside of my normal work place is fully covered. Food, travel, everything. So you are never out of pocket.

The company has its own social club on site which includes loads of clubs and recreational activities as part if it. GSK also do load of work in the community including an initiative called Orange Day which is where GSK pay for you to go and volunteer. As a department we also regularly go out after work for Curry and drinks or whatever people want to do. This is great because you get to know your colleagues on a far better level.

Yes

Its such a great company to work for. No matter what you want to do for your career, they will support you all the way. They believe firmly in investing in their people and after being here only 6 months, it really shows! Also, the job and work culture make it incredibly enjoyable.

Be yourself. Try not to be too nervous. They know its not easy being interviewed and starting so they account for this. Also they are not necessarily looking for someone with all of the qualifications, they are looking for people with passion and a great personality who is willing to learn. They arent worried what your experience is or training. They can work with that as long as you are willing to learn. Good luck!