Laboratory Apprentice Review

I work in the labs doing similar work to my fellow colleagues, this involves running different experiments, attending meetings, analysing data, presenting data and being responsible for my own project deadlines.

I am studying alongside working so am constantly working towards a degree qualification and always learning new things. I have learnt a mass of new technical skills in the lab and have developed my communication and presentation skills.

Everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming, no question is a silly question. The culture and atmosphere at work exceeds any expectations I had for a large corporation, I enjoy coming to work everyday.

I feel valued within my team, being trusted to run experiments on my own (now I have had training), being given the responsibility to present my own data and work like any other employee. Recognition is good, but sometimes the way in which performance and subsequent recognition is done at GSK can sometimes feel slightly forced, but this is constantly changing and the process is constantly being refined.

The support here at GSK is great for me personally, my manager is always available if I have an issues or questions and my decisions are always fully supported. It's understood within my team and I will not know everything at this early stage of my career, so someone is always available to support me if I need it. I get adequate study time and my manager respects this, not all GSK employees are as aware of our study requirements so sometimes study time can be impacted by project deadlines, but this is usually easily remedied with help from an apprentice manager.

The university course is generally good, support from the university can sometimes be slow as our only real contact is by e-mail, but this generally doesn't impact studies too negatively. Again the course here is constantly being reviewed and pain points are being identified and remedied so it's an ever improving process for subsequent apprentices.

Everyone at GSK is willing to help and answer questions, you have opportunities to network with a whole range of people. The support you get from employees with ranging expertise is invaluable when getting started, people will always endeavour to make time to help you if you so require it.

The salary allows me to be comfortable, I still have the ability to save after living and travelling expenses.

There are frequent events, whether it be a group event, whole department event or an apprentice event.

Yes

You get to gain invaluable experience and knowledge from experts in the field while gaining a degree qualification.

Apply early and just be yourself! The application process, interviews and assessment days can seem daunting, but they are well thought out and aren't half as scary as you think they will be! You are not expected to know everything, you are here to learn and grow.