Business Systems Analyst Apprentice Review

I'm a Business Systems Analyst apprentice which is a role based around data quality, security and management. Daily tasks include being first-line support for end-users, training and assisting site personnel, reporting information and making changes to master data.

I have been using computers in a personal capacity from a young age and this role has definitely developed my PC skills across the board. I have already finished a Level 3 qualification and am now pursuing a Level 4 in the same scheme. Training at GSK is extremely comprehensive and I have taken part in a vast range of personal and instructor led training during my time here.

My work is engrossing, challenging and allows me to innovate and solve problems creatively, which is hugely rewarding. My team is very supportive and always help me to develop. The culture at GSK is very altruistic and is based heavily on a range of positive behaviours they expect and encourage.

While opportunities for external recognition are limited, I have received large volumes of extremely positive feedback from within the company. This is usually from end-users I have assisted or trained, or from my manager who has been informed by a third party. Within my specific organisation of IT, I have been given the chance to meet the worldwide leadership team at different levels of the management hierarchy and had feedback from many of them.

The structure of the programme is definitely one of the weaker points but this is not necessarily a negative. I was the first apprentice to be aligned to this part of the IT organisation so while structure may be lacking it has also allowed me a lot more flexibility, such as being able to substitute different modules of the IT framework and allowing me to pursue different ideas without impeding my progress.

My personal assessor has always been hugely supportive and has looked after me very well during the first half of the course. The organisation itself is adequate but hindered by some poor communication choices and a very basic website. However, this has not been a major issue or affected my progress so far.

There is a large amount of internal support available to me such as my line manager, mentor, custodian and Early Talent team. Apprentices who have already graduated are also encouraged to become actively involved in development of people at my stage, which is something I look forward to myself upon graduation.

I relocated for my apprenticeship so travel costs are minimal as I am renting property close to the site. Daily costs are also minimal as food & drink provided on-site by Sodexo is very fairly priced and much cheaper than high-street alternatives. I have received very good feedback in my performance reviews meaning that I was self-sufficient financially after 6 months in the role. My one negative comment would be that there is no living allowance for apprentices based in the South of the country despite the vastly increased cost of living compared to the North.

The site I am based on in Sussex does not hold a large amount of events, but the ones I have attended have been enjoyable. The apprenticeship residential, however, was an incredible experience that shows GSK go the extra mile to make their scheme attractive to young people. There are any opportunities to get involved with charities in the local area, such as GSK Orange Days (more info can be found on Google). The location of my site in Sussex is perfect for young people as it's close to regional hubs (Brighton) without being too expensive.

Yes

Having worked in different disciplines and for different companies after leaving school, my transition to GSK was truly life-changing. I now feel like I am on the path to a long and full career as opposed to simply "working". The opportunities here have blown me away as have the potential for rewards.

The importance of the GSK Values and GSK Expectations cannot be overstated - again, more info can be found on Google for these. Worry less about what you have achieved already (i.e. exam results) and more about what you can offer the organisation with a proactive attitude and a fresh pair of eyes.