Project Coordinator Review

My role is that of a project coordinator within GSK's R&D IT business - IT supporting the pharma R&D scientists efforts through delivering and supporting IT solutions that make their jobs easier and more effective to carry out. In my role, I oversee a portfolio of projects within my service and ensure the solutions are delivered on time and to a high standard.

In my apprenticeship, I have had the opportunity to gain professionally accredited qualifications alongside my standard Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications. GSK is very supportive of developing apprentice knowledge and experience through external and internal training opportunities

I find the programme very enjoyable. It is a very rewarding job in a great organisation, that offers lots of support to early talent. I have zero regrets or doubt that I made the wrong choice in applying for an apprenticeship at GSK.

I feel very valued by the organisation. Hiring managers are very supportive in that they wish to see us succeed, and the offer all the guidance and advice to ensure it happens. The organisation also recognises special achievements through personal awards. My departments leadership team has also spoken highly of the value that us apprentices deliver to the organisation.

The programme is very well organised from the GSK side. there are clear plans of how apprentices should progress throughout the 3-4 year scheme, and new apprentices are buddied up with older ones to learn the ropes. We are offered time off work to devote to study/training if required.

Unfortunately the IT training provider has not met our expectations - communication can be poor at times, and the relevance and applicability of the modules to our roles is not always clear. the training is of a high quality, and is always engaging, but it can take a while for the training provider to respond to emails and communications.

My manager has been very supportive over the last three years, and has absolutely contributed to my success and development. Everyone that I have worked with within GSK has been supportive of my apprentice status, acknowledging my lack of knowledge and experience in practice.

My salary is definitely sufficient. While it starts relatively low, all apprentices have a mid-year and end-of-year performance review in which salary in increased based on performance (even up to a 10% increase in the best circumstances!). After almost three years, I have no complaints about my salary, and could afford to move out of my family home if I wished (although it would mean sacrificing some home comforts!). When travelling for business, we are able to expense all travel & accommodation costs to GSK. Meals cannot be expensed, but my site has cafés, shops and a restaurant that offers decent food for affordable prices.

there are lots of opportunities to get involved in out-of-work events. My department holds an annual sports summer event (organised and run by the apprentices!), as well as end-of-year/Christmas celebrations. The apprentices and industrial placement students also hold fairly regular social events.

Yes

GSK is a great organisation doing fantastic work. They have been a hugely supportive employer, and I feel like they are a company I would happily continue working for for the foreseeable future.

the application process is competitive at GSK, so you need to make yourself as attractive an employment prospect as possible, but you must be honest about it. Be enthusiastic, show an interest in the work GSK does, and do some reading up on the company itself. If you get through to the interview/assessment centre stage, these tips will be hugely beneficial to your chances of success. Advice I wish I was given before applying, would be "don't put all your eggs in one basket", as cliché as it sounds. I only applied to GSK and no other organisations, and would have had zero direction if I had not gotten the position; it is a competitive employer, and unfortunately we cannot take on everyone. But also keep in mind that GSK does not necessarily look for the applicant with the best qualifications, but the applicant with the most potential and enthusiasm to succeed.