IT MES Apprentice Review

The apprentice scheme is very well structured and includes very valuable on the job training as well as your apprenticeship work which is all done at work and is based on your day to day work. I am an IT MES Apprentice and I work with a team who develop new manufacturing data gathering solutions for the business to help us understand what we are doing and how we can improve. I have my own responsibilities and work on real work rather than the stereotypical "apprentice jobs". I have now been given a permanent role within the company as a junior automation engineer which will involve me starting a degree at a london university starting September paid for by GSK. Its a great programme working with great people and the opportunities that you get are excellent!

I have learnt many new skills and discovered an area of the IT sector that I didnt know existed. I now have great career prospects and have gained a large number of skills. To start with I was sent on a week long trip to Reading for a training course which is industry recognised. Since being an apprentice I have also become chartered with the British Computer Society (BCS) and done courses with them.

The work I do is truly interesting and I support manufacturing directly with the ability to visually see my impact. I work with an excellent team who are just as great outside of work as they are inside of work. We go for regular social events and have monthly curry nights. We work very well together and it makes work far more enjoyable. There is also a large amount of support available and everyone is there to help.

GSK is an amazing company to work for. Not only does the company achieve great things but they also allow their employees to achieve great things. Its a great feeling working for a company that isnt just focussed on money but we truly care about the patient which is at the end of our supply chain. GSK has many recognition programmes to reward employees and personal development is encouraged. My manager is great and very supportive of my development.

Overall the programme is well structured but the training element can do with some work. The training provider has had some issues with course start times but have still ensured that we are able to pass the courses. GSK also supports me in my studies making sure that I have enough time to complete my apprenticeship work, delegating my tasks where needed. I am not expected to complete my coursework at home or in my own time, it is all accounted for in the working day.

The training provider needs some work. Overall they are good but some of the organisation needs looking at. We have had a few issues with start and end times of the courses with the training provider getting dates wrong resulting in delayed starts. Apart from that, my personal tutor is excellent and I cannot speak any higher of her. She is truly interested in me succeeding and has the best of intentions. She is also very willing to help when needed.

GSK are an incredibly supportive employer. It is drilled into the company culture to value each other with one of the key expectations being "respect for people". This culture means that GSK has an excellent support network and a trusting environment. I feel that I can speak up and ask for help when needed without feeling silly or that I am going to get in trouble. I get as much support as I need.

For an apprenticeship, the pay is very good. I live quite close so travel isnt too bad. Also I dont currently drive but GSK have a car share programme which I use so I car share and pay half of fuel costs which was negotiated between me and the other car share. When we go for social events, if its a company based social event, its quite often paid for by either the company or the highest ranked person there as a "treat your team" kind of idea.

GSK get involved in many things with the community including Orange days where we help the local community. There are many company events and training events to help increase development and improve working relationships. GSK also have their own social clubs including gyms and bars to socialise out of work. These are all GSK exclusive and very affordable.

Yes

They are an excellent company to work for who truly care about their employees. You are encouraged to grow and develop and have a great amount of support to persue what you want. You are also given loads of opportunities both career related and personal opportunities. I feel proud to work for them.

The application process can be scary and daunting. The trick is to just be yourself and dont be afraid to ask questions. Remember that we were all in that position once. If you are successful you are immediately given loads of support and in your first year you go on a week trip to the lake district for team building where you get to meet the other apprentices. Good luck!