R&D IT Apprentice Review

I am an IT Apprentice who is involved in many different tasks. My main focus is in the Project Management, and so I am currently running a project which is delivering several enhancements to a Web Application that our Programme delivered around 1 year ago. I am also involved in other activities including Lab Support, Business Analysis and Programme Office activities.

I have learnt lots of new skills throughout the experience I have gained at GSK and through internal and external training courses. For example, as my interests lie within Project Management, I have recently been on a Microsoft Project training course which has helped me tremendously with the project I am currently working on, as I had to create the project plan from scratch. I am also soon being given the opportunity to complete PRINCE2 training which will further enhance my qualifications and knowledge to be a Project Manager.

I really enjoy the work that I am doing currently, and find that anyone you work with in GSK are very kind and understanding people.

I feel very valued by GSK, as I am treated like a normal employee a lot of the time rather than an apprentice, and so I feel that most of the time the work I do is not restricted because I am an apprentice.

The programme is very flexible and opportunities are often created by ourselves putting ourselves out there and finding the work. Our managers also will help to find work as well and are very supportive.

Our training provider helps us to get the key experience and learn some of the knowledge we need to become successful in the future in the IT industry.

GSK is very supportive as they will often reward their staff well for the contribution that you give. My manager is also very good at finding me different work and helping me to continuously improve at the areas I am weaker at.

My salary is reasonable for living at home with my parents and so currently I have no problem with this.

We have lots of company events including Charity work and team building events with our fellow apprentices.

Yes

GSK is a very friendly place to work which can offer you great opportunities. I work highly recommended GSK to anyone.

Within IT, GSK is much more business focussed which suits my strengths but if you are looking for a more technical role then GSK may not be the best for you, although there are still some roles which require very technical knowledge. As long as you can show that you are passionate about IT and GSK then you should do great!