Manufacturing Apprentice Review

My job title is a 'Manufacturing Apprentice'. My day to day tasks consist of attending college 3 days a week, and on site training 2 days a week. When I am on site, on a daily basis I interact with both fellow apprentices, experienced operators and managers of a high level. At college I interact with fellow students who are all studying towards a HNC in Manufacturing Engineering, and learn with them and we all help each other. I also keep in contact with lecturers, and they help me with my college work. When on site, my responsibilities consist of either completing college work, or working on site with experienced operators to gain on site knowledge of the job that I am being trained up on to hopefully fill. Projects that I am involved in consist of charity work for 'Save the Children' along with my fellow on site apprentices. The project goal is to make £10,000 for this charity and to bond as a team throughout. An example of how we are raising money is by doing a 5K run, and a Ladies Night in our Sports and Social Club. Another project I am involved in is the STEM ambassador campaign, encouraging young children that a career in science, technology, engineering and maths isn't as boring as it seems, and that the opportunities are out there. Every day I work to the best of my ability to give GSK all I can as an apprentice, they encourage me to work hard and be diligent with my studies. Ultimately my day-to-day role is a fantastic one to have, and I absolutely love my apprenticeship.

Through my three years I will gain many qualifications if I put in the work. These consist of a HNC & SVQ 2 in year one, SVQ 3, Nebosh and other onsite qualifications in job specific tasks.

I love the programme, it completely exceeded my expectations. I never thought I would enjoy getting up early for work, but I absolutely love working with the people I do, and living by the GSK values.

It is very apparent that GSK values their apprentices. This is due to the sheer encouragement and dedication that everyone both on site and in the offices has to help us develop as both adults, and hard workers. Recognition throughout GSK is a great thing, on a very frequent basis we are told about our progress, and how we can become better.

Very well organised.

A lot of support is given from both the college and GSK.

Through the apprenticeship scheme we are kept in close contact with our manager, and our managers manager. GSK has a great system of encouragement and it is shown through the enthusiasm that all of the employees bring to the table.

Meets all of my costs with a lot left to treat myself.

Loads of opportunities outside work to get involved in. For example STEM and the GSK Sports and Social Club.

Yes

I would recommend GSK to a friend because it has brought out the best in me as an apprentice and a young adult. The apprenticeship has opened my eyes to the manufacturing industry and I hope to gain more fantastic knowledge throughout my time here at GSK.

Be yourself and always work hard.