Laboratory Scientist Apprentice Review

I am a laboratory scientist apprentice who specialises in hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). I use proteins given to me and my team to analyses interactions between the protein with other proteins, antibodies or small molecules. I also perform maintenance task on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) machines and am part of the newsletter team in my department - we compile monthly highlights to share with the rest of the department. I also take a study day at home, once a week, to learn and revise for my foundation degree in applied bioscience technology with the university of Kent, through their distance learning scheme.

I have learnt many new skills in terms of scientific knowledge and practical skills such as pipetting and measuring substances accurately, as well as how to dispose of chemically contaminated waste correctly, etc. But one of the main skills I have been able to develop, is my social skills - I have been able to interact with like-minded people, and people who I never would come across in my normal day-to-day life. I have been able to grow more confident by being able to give presentations and talks about work I am doing in group meetings, etc. I am also developing my scientific knowledge through my degree.

At first, I was daunted as the company is very big and well established, but as I began to get used to it in the first couple of weeks, I felt a lot more confident. With the work I do, it took a lot of getting used to because it involves a wide range of skills and knowledge that I didn't learn at school, but the team I am working with have supported me through out and helped me learn as well as do new things within the lab and within the company.

I believed I would be treated as a typical apprentice and would be given jobs I didn't enjoy and would have to be a 'slave' but I have been treated with so much respect by everyone here and my input into projects is greatly appreciated by everyone. I have also been given many opportunities to do thing internal of my projects, but also external of my lab work, such as with the newsletter I do monthly.

The programme is very well structured. I think that because GSK has been taking apprentices for a long time now, they are used to it and know exactly what to do in the majority of situations. when I first started, someone was there for me at the door and guided me round the site, they got me used to my environment and gave me all the relevant information such as fire exits and assembly points, etc. Not only do I have my manager there to support me, but I also have my team in my department, which consists of experienced scientists who have been working in the industry for a long time, as well as new starts and industrial placement students who are doing a year here for the degree which they are still carrying out, so there is a nice blend of people. I also have a 'buddy' who is a second year apprentice who has been through exactly what I have - the buddy scheme is really useful as it gives a more personal insights and support system, and it opens you up to meet other apprentices that have been here for a while. I also have a mentor, who is someone who works in a different department, so that I can have that less professional conversation at work.

I receive all the information I need to learn through moodle - an online distance learning platform, by Kent. it includes what assignments I need to do and what I nee to revise for exams. There is also an option on there to message the tutor that has written to information, so that you can never be confused. I also have a one to one with someone from the university every 3 months to make sure I am on top of things and for me to ask for any support if needed. I also have the option to email, call or text them at any time if I have any worries, so there is always someone there for me.

GSK know that I am an apprentice, and what that involves is part time work, part time study. I am given a study day once a week to complete my university revision/assignments and the rest of the week is dedicated to work. I am also given the freedom of taking things as slow or as fast as I want so that I can make sure that I understand everything.

As I live nearby site (about 30-45 minute car journey), my petrol is fairly inexpensive, and I live with my parents so there's no rent needing to be paid and no bills, so I think that the salary definitely covers all my costs of living. even those apprentices I speak to who live on their own can afford to live well with the salary. It's very competitive and it's going up quite a lot for 2018 new starts too!

There is always a social event going on outside of work, whether that be a department pub lunch or a bowling trip one night, there's always something for everyone, and there is always a Christmas do paid for by GSK in December. If you have any free time during the day, there is also always talks/presentations going on in the lecture theatre, which can be accessed via Skype, so you don't even have to move from your desk! These range from meeting new people in the leadership team, to scientific discussions or just general project talk. If there's nothing of interest and you need a break, there's free tea and coffee machines in public areas all the time, or you could go for a walk around site - this is encouraged to keep us all fit!

Yes

GSK offers a great experience in terms of learning new skills or techniques which allow you to develop into a more confident and knowledgably sophisticated person. Not only do you benefit from a paid-for degree, you get a step on the career ladder, a great head start in the industry as opposed to those going to university, a debt-free life and a very good salary!

Just be yourself. If you're applying here, don't be robotic and give off all your scientific knowledge, as, because that does help sometimes, GSK want to see you as an individual. They want to see how well you work in a team as well as on your own. Show them what you're passionate about and what you care about, even if it doesn't have anything to do with science, let them see your eager side that is driven and success-hungry!