Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My job currently is being part of a variety of teams such as being in Data Processing, Planning, Site Launch & Data Control, and process support in the warehouse. I do daily reports and contribute to daily meetings. I work with all teams inside the supply chain network in order to gather data for reports. externally, we don't have much (if any) contact. it is all site based learning and working. I am responsible for the distribution of reports and also processing stock write offs and managing stationary levels in the office. the project I am on currently have a lot to do with the warehouse and inventory. I work alongside planning and the warehouse to try and lower inventory stock levels and help make sure they stay low

I have yet to gain any official qualifications, however I have been on a few internal training course including GMP (good Manufacturing Practice) level 1 and 2, and further been on excel level 1 to assist in expanding my knowledge. skills regarding myself has also grown, including the ability to balance work loads, team building skills and building relationships within the GSK network. I have learnt about all different aspect of the supply chain, and what roles assist in the chain. furthermore, I have also learnt about different markets globally and the different aspects that can effect both supply and demand.

work wise it is very interesting and I love the work I do. sometimes it feels like you are more just given work and expected to get on with it and even though you may need training on one piece of work, you'd be handed another before you have had a chance to complete the first ect... the teams I have been in have always been very helpful and made an effort to help me and distribute work accordingly. GSK did meet my expectations but the lack of training is apparent and the system isn't very organised. I do enjoy my job and the work I do

since my manager changes frequently, I can say that the majority of them see me as a member of the team and issues work accordingly, however some managers I have been under have been very quick to criticise when I have done something wrong, and never praise when I do something right. I have been recognised internally by other managers and directors for assisting in site activities and carriers days, and I have been rewarded with free lunchs and breakfasts ect.. there is very little external recognition as we have little communication and work with anyone external. in tasks and projects I am treated as any other and given work and deadlines by any other. however when following up work on these projects, there is a tendency for people to ignore what I ask because I am an apprentice and is therefore seen as not a priority. I do feel valued as a member of GSK although sometimes it seems we are ignored slightly

there is little or no structure to the programme we are on. when starting, the start date was changed (without my knowledge) by 2 weeks and considering I left employment for the apprenticeship I did struggle financially accordingly. there is training in regards to SOP's but no training knowledge wise, we go to London once a month for lessons but this is seen as too infrequent and we don't have much time to get things done. there is no one for apprentices to go to out our site in Barnard Castle, so if we have any problems we have to go to the top, which can often take a while to get a response. we do get our contracted study time which is 7 hours a week, however the university course itself is not very well organised (considering I was missed off the mailing list for 2 weeks meaning I started weeks before everyone else). we do not have mentors at BC Site however I do have a 1 to 1 every month however, they tend to more but a distribution of tasks rather than a review. the programme may be more organised at other sites however at BC site there is very little communication and support regarding the apprentice programme.

I do not have a tutor or advisor. The person I go to is my manager but they change every 3 month due to my rotations. they can be helpful if I have problems with work but it tends to be a run around with loads of different people just trying to get a simple answer to a question. There is no one for apprentices to go to on site without going to the head of the apprenticeship programme. this does cause miss communication and a lack of support when it comes to anything apprentice related. Problems regarding work often take a long time to solve, and more problems normally arise out of one problem. recently I have been having problems with a section of a project I am on. I have had 2 meetings with my manager in order to solve this problem, however on both occasions all that has happened is a new task has been given and no progress has been made on the previous task. C the lack of support and training in regards to the apprenticeship is very clear and does need development

My manager does do a monthly one to one but they doesn't tend to be about the apprenticeship, just work. we have no input from our HR team and the majority of apprentices didn't even know we had one. There is no one for apprentices to go to on site without going to the head of the apprenticeship programme. this does cause miss communication and a lack of support when it comes to anything apprentice related. people do tend to help with problems however because we are seen as just apprentices, it does often take longer than everyone else. There is no one for apprentices to go to on site without going to the head of the apprenticeship programme. this does cause miss communication and a lack of support when it comes to anything apprentice related. The attitude to supporting apprentices is mostly constructive, but you are seen as a low priority.

we get one of the best salary's around. I travel by car 1 mile into work which is next to nothing. daily living cost in my area of the north is low and is more than covered by the salary with me living with parents. the site is situated in a small town and brings a lot of employment to the area, and socially it is very cheep around here to do things. we are entitled to a full rewards package including medical cover, share plans and pension schemes.

There are some events that the company organise including the outwards bound team building course in the lake district and going to distribution centres around the UK to compare it to our warehouse. however relations with GSK externally in regards to other sites is very low, and the most contact we have had is going to 2 other sites for a tour. We are all entitles to an orange day which entitles us to take 1 day off a year to do something for charity and help the local community (this is a great way to get GSK known for helping the community, which we have very good relations with by living in a remote area). there is a social club attached to site that offers sport classes and a gym, which isn't just for GSK members and is open to all the local community. I often use these facilities outside of work.

Yes

they gives you the opportunity to form a life changing career and with great globally recognised qualifications and a competitive wage, it is an amazing alterative to university,

Give yourself plenty of time to write your application, and apply as soon as they open as sometimes they will shut the applications without warning if too many apply. be yourself in your interviews, GSK is looking for you as a person rather than what qualifications you have (they can teach you knowledge, they want to see you as a person). the assessment days just be yourself and pay constant attention to what is going on (you are always being monitored) look interested, ask questions, and be part of any group you are put in. you will be given loads of opportunities at GSK as you are not just getting a apprenticeship, you are getting into a company with the ability to give you a life changing career. most importantly is bring notes to the interview. they look professional and will assist you greatly.