Laboratory Apprentice, Drug Delivery Review

I am an apprentice in a group called 'Drug Delivery.' We look at novel ways of delivering chemicals into the body. So instead of looking at tablets and pills we are looking at things like micro technology. My job can differ day to day but I always find it exciting, I am in the lab almost every day and that can include testing and trying out different materials and combinations of materials to find ones suitable for purpose or using a 3-D printer to print these formulations or even testing and analysing the printed formulations. Of course any experiments I do need to be written up as well so they can be repeated if necessary. Also, I have to work well with my group internally as I am still being trained and also with other groups in GSK as we need help from other departments to help analyse our formulations. Sometimes we even need to contact external companies to collaborate.

Firstly I learnt how to work in a lab at GSK safely so that I don't put myself or others at risk. I have also learnt how to prepare, load and operate a 3-D printer which I find incredibly exciting. Also my basic lab skills have improved over time. My communication skills have improved as I have gained experience from meetings with others and have needed to contact others either face to face or via email on a daily basis. Also, I have been through a number of training courses whilst at GSK including fire extinguisher training and risk assessment training - and I have now helped to write a risk assessment for a piece of equipment in my lab. Also I improved general skills that are useful in a business environment such as time keeping.

I really enjoy the apprenticeship programme at GSK, everyone here has been so helpful. Having gone to university for a year from 2015-2016 I can say that I am enjoying my experience at GSK much more. There are so many opportunities here. I really enjoy the department I am working in and am doing something exciting every day and I am always learning something new from all the experts around me. I even have the opportunity to visit other departments and learn more about other areas the company has. On my programme I have one day a week to study material from a university and I enjoy it as it links in with the work I am doing the rest of the week. Also, the company is always running events and team building trips for the apprentices so that we can get to know each other well and there is a really good community. If anyone asked me, I would recommend an apprenticeship over university. I get a foundation degree and so much experience in an amazing company.

I feel quite valued which really surprises me. This is such a big company and I was not expecting to be as valued as I am purely because it is hard in such a big company and there is so much work going on that it is so amazing when people take time out to work with apprentices. My department have trained me so well and have taken so much time to ensure that my learning is going well and that I have a great experience. They trust me to help them out in important work and include me in their projects which is amazing. Also, outside my department GSK has taken time to help us get mentors who are excellent scientists to help us grow as scientists and people and so that we always have someone to talk to if we need advice. GSK are always promoting and making sure everyone is aware of the apprenticeship scheme and it feels like they are really proud of their apprenticeship scheme and truly want the best for us which is amazing.

My programme has been very well structured, we had inductions on the first couple of days and had to go through a series of lab inductions and safety inductions before we were allowed to do any lab work - which is understandable. Then my manager helped me and other members of my group to plan out my training so that I got trained on all the equipment and knew how to do all the procedures. Now on Monday - Thursday I work with other members of my group to help them on projects (and I have weekly meeting with my manager and other members to discuss how I am progressing) and on Friday I have a study day to ensure I get all my uni work done.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. I get sent everything I need to complete my uni work online but the tutors often hold interactive webinars to help explain things and are always very helpful. They also respond to any questions we have via email and have even taking time out on occasion to email us to ask how we are getting on. They are always more than happy to help and will help as much as they are needed.

I receive a great amount of support from my employer. I meet weekly with my manager to discuss how things are going and to ensure that I am not too stressed with work and that my uni stuff is going ok. I also meet with a member of my group weekly to help answer any questions I have about lab work and to organise any other training I might need. Everyone is always more than happy to help because it appears they genuinely want everything I do to be a great learning experience and they want to ensure that I am never too stressed or have problems. They are always there when I need them. Also, just recently GSK have provided me with a mentor outside my group to help with any other additional questions I might have so I am very happy with the support I get as I never feel I am stuck and unable to talk to someone.

It is more than enough. I have moved country to start my apprenticeship and the pay I receive covers my rent and food and any other expenses I have and I have more than enough left over to save. Also, we have recently gotten a pay rise as they increased the starting pay and changed ours appropriately which will come into effect later on this year which is great news. I have no complaints whatsoever about the pay. We also get an opportunity to get a pay rise every year of our apprenticeship. Also, working at a big company comes with company perks so I can get half price cinema tickets and tax free bikes and can put money into shares that they double. I didn't expect any perks like that so finding out those were a bonus.

Yes there are so many opportunities. GSK runs a trip every year for the apprentices up to the lake district including many outdoor activities to promote team building and to just generally let us have a good time. I wouldn't do anything like this is I wasn't on the apprenticeship so it is really amazing to get this opportunity. Also, GSK have a gym on site that is reasonably cheap and it has all the facilities you could ever need like sports courts and exercise equipment. I have signed up for it so I can stay fit and healthy. On top of that GSK is always doing charity events and encouraging workers to raise money for charity and get involved.

Yes

Because it is genuinely one of the best experiences of my life so far. GSK have given me such an amazing opportunity to learn from experts, to work on some really exciting things, to actually make a difference and on top of that to get a proper qualification. It starts as a foundation degree but GSK can support your learning all the way up to a PHD. It seems the opportunities here are endless and I am so happy to have gotten this apprenticeship. Every expectation I had has been surpassed and I am having an even better experience than I thought I would. I hopefully will continue to learn and work for GSK for many years.

To try your absolute best and to be confident and be friendly and be yourself because GSK look for more than just brains, they want people who are good people that can work well with others and who genuinely want to help make a difference. If you really want it they will see that and be encouraged by your enthusiasm. Even though it is an apprenticeship to get a degree you need to treat it like a proper job interview because at the end of the day GSK are looking for people with potential to invest time and money into, people that they want to hire.