Laboratory apprentice Review

I am a Biology laboratory apprentice and I regularly carry out lab based work, I analyse my findings and present in team meetings. I also attend seminars to deepen my scientific knowledge. I am part of a specific project and it is my responsibility to carry out experiments and report back to my team. I also study towards my degree one day a week.

I am studying towards a foundation degree and I have recently taken my first two exams. I have undertaken many training courses including courses on health and safety, working in a lab and data integrity. I have gained many laboratory based skills, communicational skills and I have improved my presentational skills and courage to present in team meetings.

I enjoy the work that I carry out on a daily basis and it has provided me with many important skills that can be used and developed throughout my career after the apprenticeship. I work closely with many members of my team and I get along well with everyone. I enjoy being able to work with different people to gain as much knowledge and learn as many new things as possible. It has exceeded my expectations and I feel I have settled in well.

I get recognition from my manager and my team for the work I carry out and present. I also get recognition from the university and HR for gaining good grades in my coursework. I definitely feel valued by GSK.

My programme is organised well and I was provided with a lot of important information during my induction and I also carried out the necessary training. I have support from my manager, other members of the team, other apprentices and my buddy. I study one day a week and this works out well as it allows me to take a day out of work to focus solely on my degree. I am happy with my responsibilities and overall I feel my programme is organised well.

I receive support and guidance from my manager, both in scientific work and with my own development. I feel I can talk to my manager, buddy and anyone in my tam about any problems I may face.

I am supported by my manager and also the HR team who deal directly with any apprenticeship problems. I have also recently been given a mentor and I feel I have guidance with any problems I may encounter.

The location of my apprenticeship is ideal as it takes me around 20 minutes to travel to/from work. The salary package meets my costs as I do not need to spend lots on travelling and I live at home so my living costs are lower. My salary also allows me to socialise and also save some money each month.

There are many opportunities outside of work, for example there are events being held where we as apprentices are asked to visit secondary schools and colleges to educate people on our apprenticeship. There are also seminars off site that we can attend. We also have team building events and sports clubs that are run by colleagues after work. These are ideal as they are onsite and they are run straight after work.

Yes

The apprenticeship programme is an excellent programme to become part of. You can gain a degree whilst also developing your scientific knowledge by carrying out real life science.

The application process and assessment days are tough however you can learn a lot from them. Stay focused during the process but also try and relax. Although you are being assessed, GSK want to know the real you. The onboarding process will provide you with necessary training and all of the information needed when you start and whilst you are settling in. Talk to as many people in the team as possible to get to know them and the work being carried out.