Laboratory Science Apprentice Review

I work as a laboratory science apprentice in the cell characterization team of cell and gene therapy. On a daily basis I take care of my own cell cultures, and prepare them by either cryopreservation or sampling for testing on a variety of different projects. I learn a variety of different skills in the lab such as microscopy techniques, different types of assays and cell counting methods. I work closely with my manager and the prjoects he is working on and really feel like a valued member of the team. We are working towards characterizing cells that we work with so we can use this knowledge to improve the therapies that we make. Aside from the lab I participate in team meetings on a variety of projects, am a STEM ambassador and help with events for younger students and complete my Applied Bioscience degree that I am working towards over the next three years. One day a week is dedicated to this study.

I have learnt so much from the hands on experience that I have gained in the lab since the first few weeks of starting at GSK. Before arriving here I had little to no experience of working in a lab, and struggled to even know which way round to hold a pipette. I am now 6 months in and able to work independently on tasks that I found so difficult at the start. I think this is from being thrown in at the deep end at the start, and having to adapt to the demands of the job quite quickly. I have learnt how to work in a multidisciplinary team and work with other groups to get the best outcome for the company. Through the myLearning site I have completed many training courses that prepared me for lab work and working within CGT and GSK in general. My communication skills have developed and I think I am able to ask when I need help and use my initiative where I can.

I really enjoy the work that I do and feel like a valued member of the team that I am in and feel included in the wider community of GSK. It makes it easier to enjoy the programme when everyone that I work with is so welcoming and willing to help. It has exceeded my expectations as to what I will gain from the apprenticeship, even within the first 6 months. I enjoy the work I do and feel challenged by the opportunities that are available to me.

I get weekly feedback from my manager not only through 1:1 meetings but with the lab work we do together. Being trusted with cell culture and jobs in the lab really helps to boost my confidence. I have received Global employee recognition awards for help with social and STEM events and this is a good way to get recognition for my efforts. I feel like I am involved in the projects that I am working on, and that my contribution is as valued as much as anyone else on the team.

The structure of the programme is set out really well and the balance of study and work is great. The study we do correlates to the work we carry out, and co-workers are really willing to help with assignments and workplace knowledge. The 1, 3 and 6 month review really helps to gauge and understanding of where we should be at with our development and regular meeting with the university ensures we are on track with study. I have regular meetings with my manager to ensure I am doing the right jobs. The buddy system hasn't worked that well for me as I have found it difficult to even arrange a meeting with them however most older year apprentices are really easy to talk to and go to if I need advice. The study is well structured and organised as we complete 1 topic a week and I feel as if this is mostly achievable. However, sometimes the amount of work for one week is too much to do within the delegated 7.5 hours and I find myself working on the weekends a lot. The study guide does contain a few crucial mistakes which also confuse me when studying, so I think this could be improved and double checked before we learn from it.

For a degree that we have to complete using distance learning, I think the support from our tutor and advisor is just right. We have general meetings with [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] to review our progress and if we do have any problems we can phone [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] straight away to sort them out. Therefore I believe that we have good accessibility to guidance for support with general problems and can always give feedback where appropriate. Again, I think there could be a bit more support with the study guide by having a bit more detail/the correct information for us to learn from. However, the responses from [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] are always so quick and if we do have a problem with the study guide we can just message and she can change it. In the lead up to the exams, marking of past papers was really helpful in order to prepare sufficiently.

I receive so much support from GSK generally to help complete my apprenticeship. They are always willing to help and are very accommodating. The 1:1 support I have from my manager at all times is so helpful and has really made me feel part of the team. I haven't encountered many general problems, as everyone is always so willing to help that things get sorted before the problems start.

After having to move away from home a large amount of my salary goes towards renting near to here, buying food and petrol. However, with budgeting properly I have enough to get by each month and the option to use the ShareSave/ShareReward plan is a good way to try and save money. Also knowing that the salary does increase as we go along the apprenticeship makes me feel better about how I will deal with costs/saving in the future. It is also a good way to learn to live on my own, balance my own accounts and save money where possible.

Outside of work a lot of events are put on such as the Christmas party, lunches and social events in the evenings. With the apprentice community socials are put in place on the most convenient night for everyone so that we can meet more people. Voluntary work is carried out through Orange days which also helps to get to know the team outside of the work environment. We are competing the Tough Mudder race in July and training towards this as a team as well which is a great social event. The gym on site with reduced fees for staff is a great way to spend evenings as well. There's loads of restaurants and things to do in the leisure park just down the road from work and it is easy to organise evening activities with friends.

Yes

It's a great opportunity that I feel lucky to be a part of. It's a great company to work for and there are so many opportunities that can be looked into.

Be yourself in each stage of the process, don't try and answer the questions on what you think is the right answer. As much as you need to me right for GSK, GSK needs to be the right place for you too. Don't worry about the assessment days, although they seem daunting the da is made so relaxed by the help of the early talent team. Try and get relevant experience to what you want to do to show an interest in it and research the companies policies, values and work/projects before arriving.