R&D IT Apprentice Review

by GSK

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I work in the Research and Development IT (R&D IT)department at GSK. I currently work to make sure projects have followed the correct procedure by having a Gate 2 Review. I am in the RMA team (Records management and archiving) which involves me helping to archive files and data from various projects across R&D

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt a variety of skills. I have attended internal training courses such as project management courses which have helped to develop my project management skills. I have developed personal skills such as social interaction with colleagues. I feel confident in leading tasks and pushing myself to get involved in new things. With GSK I have a new found confidence.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The programme exceeded any expectations I had before I joined. I enjoy working with the people I have met at GSK, I enjoy the culture of the company and most importantly I enjoy the job I do here.

9/10

4. How valued do you feel by GSK?

GSK are very effective at making apprentices feel valued. I feel highly appreciated by my manager and I feel my hard work for the company is internally recognised across the company. GSK throw a lot of trust at me as an apprentice which feels me with confidence and makes me feel valued.

9/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is well structured and organised. GSK are flexible in allowing us to assign some of our working ours to studying.

9/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

The training provider offers a reasonable amount of support to help us pass the scheme. I feel that communicating with the training provider has been poor at times but overall I feel the support has been at a good level.

9/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My manager has been exceptionally supportive throughout my time at GSK. My manager has pushed me to develop my skills and has always provided me with new opportunities. He is always there if I have any queries or issues. I receive a high amount of support from my employer.

9/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

I am satisfied with my salary. With this salary I am able to cover my travel costs, living costs, daily costs and social costs.

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Yes. GSK encourage us apprentices to attend careers fares, visit schools to do talks and a variety of other events. GSK also organise a variety of social events as well as sport clubs. Due to the flexi hour contract at GSK it is easy to fit your social life around working hours.

9/10

9. Would you recommend GSK to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

GSK is an amazing company to work for with limitless opportunities. As an apprentice it is an incredible opportunity to develop yourself in a variety of areas and potentially secure a permanent job with the company.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GSK?

Application process - Sell yourself: make sure you let them know the skills you have. Interviews - Be yourself Assessment days - in the team activity make sure you are actively involved and do not sit back and let the others do the work - but at the same time do not be overconfident or prevent others from giving their opinions and voices.