Laboratory Science Apprentice Review

I am a Laboratory Science Apprentice, my job involves the purification and processing of monoclonal antibodies, in a research and development role. On a daily basis I interact with many members of my team (BioPharm Process Research) whether it be work related or a friendly chat. I also deal with external workers, such as engineers and support staff. I have many responsibilities within my role, one of them being the added responsibility of being a lab manager in which I look after any issues/dealings within the lab. I am involved in both GSK projects and person Tech Dev projects and am treated as a permanent member of staff and not just an apprentice.

During my apprenticeship I will be studying for an FSc in Biotechnology for Laboratory Scientists, while also completing an apprentice standard in Laboratory Science. there are many internal training courses available within GSK for almost anything. one of the most useful ones that i have found was a course for developing presentation skills, as I felt this isn't something i was properly taught at school. I also have the opportunity to do external training courses, i have done one involving programming and safe use of a liquid handling robot. I have also developed many personal and professional skills during my time here, i have gained confidence, the ability to deal with external people, delegation and scientific report writing skills. I have developed many professional lab based skills including running a number of assays and practical skills such as pipetting, chromatography and use of complex scientific equipment.

I enjoy the work I do, as I find it satisfying knowing that the work i do can make a difference to patients lives. Day to day work is also vary varied and I always have something to do. My team are very inclusive and the atmosphere generally is very friendly, people are always willing to help. The culture at GSK is very patient and employee based, I have found that as an apprentice I am given lots of opportunity to grow my career and develop as a person. The company runs events for apprentices(outward bound trips etc.) which I think helps with well being. My apprenticeship has lived up to my expectations i always enjoy the work that i am doing and would like to continue working for the company when i complete my apprenticeship.

I feel that GSK as a whole value apprentices very highly. My manager is very supportive and always appreciates the work that I do, he also trusts me to do work that any other member of the team could do, and even sometimes lets me take opportunities before others which i think is very important for both my learning and career development. I have been recognised internally for work that i have done and received several R&R awards, any work that i have contributed to projects has also been referenced in any presentation given about that piece of work. As I have not been in the company very long, i have not received any external recognition as of yet, but hopefully i will during the near future. I am involved as much as any other member of my team when it comes to projects and task within the team. I have been given 2 projects to support and one of my own, this means that i can prove my value to GSK and they are giving me the oppurtunity to do that.

Overall the programme is fairly structured when it comes to GSK's side of things, however there is not a massive amount of communication between GSK and the university, which I think could lead to some problems. Within GSK i was inducted fairly fast and was settled into the team properly within the first 2 months, i was given lots of on the job training and also courses for thing like Health and Saftey. There are meeting set up with the Course leader every 3 months for a review which helps to gauge how you are doing. Studying is fairly simple to do, an onlie tool is used which is easy to navigate and explains the material well.

I receive support from my training provider in several ways. I have 3 month review meetings with the course leader which are helpful, i also have a 'mentor' who I speak with once a month to check up on my progress and who I can go to with any problems. They are happy to support me buit it is sometimes difficult as the university is far from work so only phone conversations/emails are used to communicate for the most part..

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager is always there to help me an I can go to him with any problems I am having within work. I also have regular contact with the early talent HR team and i can ask them for support for anything that I do. I have 2 mentors within GSK one within my department and one in anther area. I can speak freely and confidentially with them and i feel it is a very good way of supporting me as an apprentice. Everyone at GSK is happy to help with an problems/queries you might have and I have found that i can get support whenever i need it.

As i am only 18 i currently live at home with my parents and pay low rent, so my salary covers any costs that i might have. I drive to work every day (~90mins each way) and my salary covers the cost of fuel every month and also for my car. I can afford daily costs fairly well, and do not worry about money if i am to go out. The location of my work is ~30 miles from my house, but as i live in London and travel to Hertfordshire every day, it does take a fair amount of time to get to and from work.

I am invited to many apprentice events that promote the GSK apprentice programme. I am also a STEM ambassador (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) which encourages students to take up careers in them 4 fields. I can also volunteer for an Orange day, which is a day that you can take during the work day to do charity work/volunteering. There is also a Gym on site and access to it is very easy.

Yes

It is a very good company to work for, and in my experience they value their employees highly and the work is enjoyable.

Make sure you are honest with yourself in your application. For me this was my first interview ever, so just make sure you prepare in advance. The on boarding process is quite long but fairly straight forward, most things will get sorted out for you.