Finance Apprentice Review

My current role is stock analyst in my second rotation of a finance higher apprenticeship. One of my main daily tasks is investigating differences found when reconciling stock accounts. This can include looking into cost differences and material usage factors. On a daily basis I interact with my team to seek assistance and discuss any issues incurred. I also communicate with our manufacturing site contacts, these include both internal and external parties. I am responsible for the month end reconciliations of several sites and ensuring we are reporting the correct values of inventory for these.

In my role I have been able to learn and develop my skills through several methods. Compared to my previous roles the stock analyst role requires a much more detailed knowledge of excel and reporting, which I have been able to acquire through one to one coaching from my peers and on the job learning. I have also been on an internal training course which has allowed me to learn skills that I can take back to my daily activities. This includes how to make the most of visual performance management, how and when to give feedback so that it is useful and also developed my own coaching skills so that I can help others.

As a whole I enjoy my programme, in my current role I have work which is challenging and allows me to perform at my best. I have the opportunity to learn a lot of new things which also help with my studying. However the current role I am in is not one I would plan to have in my future career, which sometimes makes the programme less enjoyable. I have a supportive team around me who are always willing to take the time to help and explain things I do not understand. The company has a great culture, the values of respect and integrity resonate in day to day work.

I feel that GSK values me as a person and an employee. I have regular talks with my manager about both the work I am doing and how I can develop further to achieve my career goals. I feel that I get a lot of support relating to my aspirations outside of the role and given opportunities to explore these. I feel I am a valued member of the team and receive praise where due. My contributions are valued whenever working with other colleagues. I have been nominated for awards during my time here from members of staff outside of my team which gives a great sense of achievement.

The programme is well structured in terms of the wider apprentice network. GSK has a network of all different types of apprentices and there are events for apprentices to get together and network. The finance programme has had a few issues where processes were not defined but has been able to rectify these quite quickly. There is an organised induction and the training with our learning provider is co-ordinated well. We have regular catch ups with the programme leader and are introduced to new apprentices so that we can support each other.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. I have an assessor who is there to support with the coursework/portfolio side of the apprenticeship. She is extremely helpful in answering any queries I may have, and I have regular chats with her to ensure I am progressing on target. The support channels available from the learning provider mean I am able to get any issues resolved quickly. The tutors are happy to answer questions outside of class time as well as during class which is really helpful.

My employer is really supportive in terms of my apprenticeship programme. My manager is keen to discuss my development as an apprentice as well as just related to my day to day work. The apprenticeship programme team are keen to help with any issues I have and are there for support if I need it. My manager and my team are aware and supportive of the time I spend learning during work time. GSK is also supportive of all apprentices and holds events for apprentices in different departments to get together for development activities. If I have any problems there are lots of people I can reach out to.

At the moment my salary/package meets my costs sufficiently. I live with my parents so my outgoings are not are not as high as if I was living on my own. My salary covers my living and travel costs and I still have money afterwards to use for social activities and to put away into savings. If I were to move out and live on my own in the area I live in now I think I would struggle to cover all my costs.

There are lots of opportunities outside of work. There are always activities going on at lunch times with the opportunities to socialise, such as walks around the local parks. There is a social club which I am a member of. We put on events to give people a chance to get away from their desks and mix with other people. The site wide team also put on events such as barbeques for everyone to get involved in. There have been music nights in put on in the evenings as well.

Yes

I would recommend GSK to a friend as they are a great company to work for. They have a high emphasis on living the GSK values which include respect. You can feel a sense of community in the company. There is also lots of room and opportunities to develop both your career and yourself as a person. There is a wide support network and lots of different things you can get involved in.

The advice I would give to others applying to GSK is to be confident in yourself. Although for the apprenticeship there are quite a few stages to the application process, it is all easier than you may think. Stay calm in interviews and be yourself. It is not just for the employer to decide if you are right, it is also for you to use the time to ask questions to find out if the role and GSK as a company are for you. There is plenty of support throughout the application process and then in the onboarding process as well.