Manufacturing Apprentice Review

Job Title: Process support Daily Tasks: As a member of the process support team I get involved in may different tasks. For example I get involved in dealing with line side actions ensuring that any problems that the manufacturing/ filling areas have are dealt with. I am involved in audit preparation, where I will ensure that areas are up to correct standards and specification. I am involved in dealing with vendor and customer complaints where I will help to carry out investigations. Daily Interactions (internally): Internally I interact with many different people in different job roles. I work along side engineering staff and operators for problem solving. I attend a morning meeting every morning with area managers, my ops manager, microbiology, NPI (new product introduction) and my own manager. Daily interactions externally: For some of the line side action I will need to get in touch with external companies such as for as designs for signage or a new piece of equipment from a supplier. I also come into contact with a company called Interserve which deal with maintenance activities such as repairs and paint work. Responsibilities: As a member of process support I have the responsibility of FDA audit preparation ensuring all actions are closed out before there due date. As an apprentice I have the responsibility of networking with other apprentices and also to get involved in any apprentice project work e.g. our site director has given us the task of raising money for charity.

I have completed more internal training for safety this year such as: DSEAR training COSHH training Risk Assessment training Noise awareness training I completed my level 3 in process industries and manufacturing last September 2017 and I am currently working towards completing my level 4 HNC in engineering operations. Skills I have Developed: I can now raise a request for a new SAP ID for any production items. I know how to deal with documentation updates, creation and deletion. I can carry out GEMBA's and perform auditing. I have gained a good understanding of the resources I have available to me and how to use them in my day to day job as well as working towards finishing my HNC.

I fully enjoy the programme I am on. The work I am given is different everyday and allows me to see all the different sides of the business. My manager is very considerate and understands what I require of him as an apprentice. I believe the company as a whole is a great company to work for and there is plenty of room for me to me to develop myself within the company. When I first started GSK, I did not know what to expect as a GSK manufacturing apprentice but what I have been shown has been fully enjoyable and interesting to learn about.

I feel very appreciated as an employee of GSK. My manager always takes time out to give me constructive feedback and aid in my development. The company as a whole is very good at recognising talent and giving recognition where it is due. Recognition has also been given to the external learning I have undergone when completing my level 3 and I feel fully supported by the business while I am working on my level 4 HNC. I am currently involved in an apprentice challenge where we need to come up with a project for using an area on site. This makes me feel valued that the senior leadership team have given us a big opportunity to make an impact on the site.

My initial Induction was well organised and I was made fully aware of all important and relevant information I needed to know for working in this area. There is constant on-going training internally & externally from college and my own personal development plan. I feel like my manger fully supports me with the time I need for studying and is aware of other activities I get involved with e.g. STEM events/ careers fairs. My mentor is also very available to give me guidance and has helped me to structure my area movements. I am given enough work by my manager but when I am away with college on 2 week block my manger is fully aware and will not load me up with work for these blocks. I feel like my training course was not so well organised as I didn't know till last minute what course I would be doing or what area I would be moving into in my second year. I feel like a more structural plan should be in place for apprentice development.

I feel like this is quite a gap with my apprenticeship at the moment. The time frames for assignments that have been given to me are fairly unrealistic and I feel the tutors do not understand that we have assignments off all the teachers and also work to carry out on site. Some of the teaching methods feel poor as no one in the class is able to follow but overall I believe the course is achievable due to the initiative of the whole class with researching for assignments. Some online support is in place from the training provider but it is not always that helpful. I do find the course interesting and I hope that it helps me to progress onto a degree in the future.

My manger is fantastic and really aid me in my development. He is quite a busy person but always takes time out to speak to me and ensure I am comfortable with achieving my targets. My manager has always taken time to carryout tasks with me e.g. GEMBA of areas and showing me what I need to look out for when carrying out an audit. Support is always available to me from my manager, the team and the entire site. It is a very friendly environment to work in and everyone is always happy to help.

My salary package is fantastic and I am able to afford all my finances: It is a very competitive wage as an apprentice and there is lots of ways to improve my salary package through my PDP reviews with my manager. Travel is no issue for me as I live 5 minutes away from the site. There is food & drink provided in the canteen at a reasonable price. There is parking provided very close to the site and is no issue for me. The only things which is a little bit of a set back is the fact that apprentices are not allowed to work any overtime for pay. This can sometimes be awkward if your area requires extra cover and you have to say no you can't do it.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of the work. There are regular careers fairs and STEM events available for the apprentices to attend where we can go and speak to students in schools and inspire them to become an apprentice. The company has orange days where we can take one day a year to go and help with a local community project. There is plenty of opportunities to get involved in charity works. Last year as an apprentice I got involved in the Brathay Challenge which allowed us to work with the local community and a local equestrian. The company also has gym facilities available and a social club which is a good chance to meet new people and keep fit. I regularly use the gym and social club. There are also celebratory events such as for Christmas, when the site achieved 1 million hours without any reportable accidents and the retirement of a member of staff who had been around for many years.

Yes

I would recommend GSK as it is a great company to work for. There is plenty of interesting work to get involved with and there is plenty of areas for development. The company is always driving high quality performance and has a fantastic reputation. GSK values all its employees and as an apprentice I have already been given support with furthering my education. The company give up to date training that allows you to get a good understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing and GMP.

The application process is fairly long but is important at each stage. Initially you will fill out an online application form. If successful the applicant will then go onto completing some online tests. after this stage there is an assessment day where you will come onto site and be given a site tour. You will complete a formal interview, a written test and a group task. The assessment day is a great day and everyone makes you feel very comfortable. You are guided through every step of the recruitment process and there is people there to always help you with your application. It is very important to be prepared and have some practice being interviewed. Make sure that if you attend the assessment day you dress smart and presentable.