Labs Apprentice Review

Labs Apprentice in API Chemistry: Daily tasks: plan, execute and report reactions and their results, attend and present at project meetings, ordering chemicals, a small amount of maintenance on project specific equipment. The long term job purpose is to develop a robust route for the synthesis of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and to take it forward to an increasing scale.

I have both learnt a load of new skills and developed existing skills in the year and a half since I started. For example, my presentation skills have drastically improved, due to the requirement of effective information transfer at project meetings. Also, I have been exposed to so many new techniques and methods in the lab, allowing me to develop as a chemist.

I enjoy the programme most of the time. Every day is different at GSK, with new challenges to overcome, allowing the work to stay interesting. Occasionally, there are times when the majority of the day is spent at the computer, which can be less enjoyable, but it's more than made up for by the lab work.

I feel extremely valued by GSK. My experience has been that everyone in the department is incredibly supportive and helpful, often going out of their way to help me out. All of my managers (line changes due to re-orgs) have been extremely positive and make sure that any feedback is passed on to me.

My programme is fairly well structured, with uni work being set on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis (depending on workload), and there always being a clear structure in my day-to-day job. There are always days when there is work to do, and I feel like the programme has been set out really well.

MMU provide a relatively high amount of support if required, with the onus being on us to request any extra help. Every couple of weeks, a support webinar will be held to cover any difficult topics in that week's coursework. Also, a tutor from MMU will come to our work every few months to check in/have a progress review.

GSK provides plenty of support whenever it is needed. I regularly have catch-ups with my manager, mentor and supervisor, allowing me to discuss any concerns I have. My supervisor has set up a support network for study related issues, with the PhD students running each session. Also, any member of staff at GSK is more than willing to help out with any chemistry-related issues.

I'd say that my salary meets my costs fairly well. Living at home means my costs are lower than other apprentices' (some have had to move to the area). I have more than enough money to do as I please, and still have a small amount left to add to my savings.

Outside of work, I have been involved in promoting the apprenticeship programme, with events such as careers fairs and open evenings. Overall, they have been well run and organised. Other than this, there are opportunities to attend internal conferences, and external ones that are related to the work I am currently doing.

Yes

GSK has been incredibly supportive since I joined, and the apprentice programme is laid out really well. The opportunities for development seem endless, and the network of people is incredible. The ability to gain relevant work experience while also studying towards a degree is the best of both worlds, and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in a career in science.

Take the time to carefully think about your answers before speaking/typing, and also come prepared with examples before your interview. Not having to think on the spot really takes the pressure off you, and makes the interview flow a lot better. Finally, make yourself stand out. There are plenty of applicants to this programme, so find something that will set you apart from the rest!