IT Apprentice Review

At GSK I am an IT Apprentice. My role looks at Site IT as a whole, I primarily focus on the Service of IT. My apprenticeship consists of Open University work, in which I am studying towards a foundation degree in computing and IT. I also work on competency elements, which work towards a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and telecoms professionals.

I have undertaken the ITIL foundation certificate in IT Service Management. I attended the Outward Bound experience in the first year of my apprenticeship with other apprentices from GSK. Here I developed resilience, team working skills and grew in confidence. I have also attended a 1 day resilience training course with other GSK apprentices. The course was very useful and helped me develop my understanding of resilience and provided me with an insight on how to deal with resilience.

I really enjoy my programme at GSK. I think that the whole apprentice programme is well organised and structured. Recently they have developed a way to monitor progress of my work which helps me identify areas for development; which is encouraged. My team are very reliable and friendly, we are good at working as a team, getting the job done. I enjoy the company and the values they hold. I think its a great company to work for, knowing that there is a patient at the end of the pipe line.

I feel very valued as an employee at GSK. We have a great recognition system to fully recognise good work. I have received many recognition awards for my involvement in tasks. I feel valued by my team and manager as I get given responsibilities and get thanked for my work.

My programme is well structured. Over the course of one week I am given 1 day to complete any due college/university work. However they are quite flexible, meaning that I can spread this out over the week and is not set to a specific day. University work is a set course and the modules have already been chosen. This is well structured as it is spread out over 3 years. I also work towards a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and telecoms professionals -With GKA. I don't think that this work is very structured as there are no specific deadlines and all the work needs to be complete at the end of 2 years. To improve I would rather have deadlines to ensure I will complete it all on time.

I don't think that the Open University are very supportive. I have a difference tutor for each assignment who aren't very responsive to emails if I ask for guidance. Moreover, GKA are more supportive, the tutor visits my workplace every few months, but less than what is expected. There is room for improvement.

I feel that I receive a good amount of support from my employer. My manager is very supportive of my apprenticeship course and understand that I have deadline to meet during working hours. There is a good accessibility of support, through the intranet there are many support links. Also there is HR helpdesk for support in this area.

My salary meets my living costs, travel costs and social costs well. The salary increases every year, having an influence from your performance. I think that this is a good motivator to improve. However the overall package is satisfactory.

There are many opportunities in the local area outside of work. GSK have a good reputation in the local area, which support the leisure centre across the road. There are sports activities provided here. Company activities include the local carnival which we build a GSK float. We also have orange days were we help out in the local community, doing charity work. The location is in the Lake District so there are many tourist spots around. Many walks, hikes and activities that are great to do outside of work.

Yes

GSK is a great company that have a huge focus on its employees. The company want to do more, feel better and live longer. GSK is a great company as you know that the work you are doing is going to benefit a patient at the end of the supply chain.

For the application process and aptitude test I would research the company, what values it holds and have a real passion to work at GSK. On the assessment days I would say be yourself. GSK look for genuine people who are passionate about this industry and who hold the GSK values. I would say having work experience is very important to show you are employable and a good worker. GSK want the best employees it can get.