Pharmateutical Technical Apprentice Review

I am a Pharmaceutical Technical apprentice, and I work in Validation. On a day to day basis I am required to write/review documents in order to validate the processes that are run on site, thus confirming that the product that is made will always be made to the same specification.

I am currently working towards both a HNC in operational engineering and a foundation degree in applied chemical science. I feel that I am still learning a considerable amount as I have been put in to two very different courses. The team that I am working with are also working with me and giving me small tasks in order to aid my development.

I think it is a very enjoyable program, with lots of experiences to be had. It has provided me with opportunities to work within every department on site, improving my general knowledge of the processes. Doing a HNC and a foundation degree at the same time though can be quite stressful and time consuming though, meaning I am required to spend more time completing these at times, reducing the time I have working with the validation department.

I think that I am valued by GSK and the apprenticeship program run here is a very respectful one. The jobs that are given to you will provide you with recognition from the manager and if additional work is done then you will be recognised on the daily bulletin. I feel this encourages me and other apprentices to work harder and seek new and challenging opportunities, such as projects, to try and push ourselves.

I am the first apprentice to be on the Pharma Tech program, so at times the structure of my program has fallen down, but it has allowed my apprenticeship program to have a bit of a fluid motion to it. So if I was not able to do one thing at a certain time it can easily be reshuffled allowing me to receive an experience in every opportunity required. The training that is provided by GSK is second to none as you gain hands on experience while gaining a theoretical knowledge, this accompanied by an adequate time to study. In terms of team hierarchy apprentices are on the bottom rung but I feel that I am being treated like a full time member of staff and there is plenty of support at hand whether it is from my team or my mentor.

I have a mentor on site who I regularly ask questions to when I am stuck, they don't usually give me a direct answer though but point me in the right direction, encouraging networking. Other employees are always happy to help out though, as they understand that we are still learning as apprentices and are going to require additional help from them, as they will have a stronger knowledge of the area of work.

I am provided with plenty of support from GSK. There is always someone that I can talk to on site if I am requiring help with a problem. The general attitude towards helping me and other apprentices on this site is excellent as people realise that as apprentices we are still learning and will require help, and more often than not there is a chance that they have been in the same situation at some point.

I am happy with the salary that I am on as it is competitive with that of other employers with apprentices of the same level. The pay packet that I am currently on is comfortable enough to pay for all of my living, travel and day to day costs.

GSK provide plenty of opportunities outside of work, such as the sports complex just across the road. GSK work closely with STEM and Orange United, and most of the staff are ambaradors for these groups. STEM works closely with schools and colleges to try and encourage apprenticeships and the science based subjects. Orange United helps out people/schools/communities for free, for example the apprentices on this site painted a school playground.

Yes

Because it is a forward thinking company who are funding more and more apprenticeships, as it is a way of improving the countries working population. the apprentices get first hand training and experiences, while the company gain employees for the future. GSK also provide a lot of opportunities to their employees in training courses, and different benefits, so it shows that the company care.

Don't give up, even if you don't feel you can complete the task at hand. There will always be help, you should never suffer in silence as this can hold back your aspirations or aims.