Process Engineering Apprentice Review

I am a process engineer. My day to day tasks include working to constantly improve the running of the plant and plant coding. I work a lot with figuring out why equipment has failed or hung up and have to look at many aspects of the equipment to come up with an immediate and long term fix to the issue. I also get involved with different projects that are being planned i.e. new pieces of kit being brought in and am involved with the initial design as well as the commissioning of it.

I have almost achieved my HND and will have finished it by summer as well as completing my SVQ 3. On site I am signed off on multiple activities allowing me to carry them out unsupported. I have managed to develop my problem solving skills as this job has taught me that I have to be a lot more open minded when approaching problems to be able to see the bigger picture. I'm also developing my soft skills such as active listening, presentation skills and leadership skills through opportunities that GSK are providing.

I really enjoy my everyday job however it isn't a job role that is consistent. One day I could come in and sit at my desk all day and have a slow day, the next I can come in intending to do a pile of paperwork and end up running around on plant trying to work with the rest of the team to fix the issues. It is unpredictable and challenging and I feel a part of the team. I have faced challenges not only through my job role but through different team members that I have had to work with but if anyone has doubted my ability both my boss and the rest of my team have my back and will stand up for me. I didn't have many expectations for what my job was going to be but I was very happily surprised.

GSK invest in their apprentices not only by the work done inside the day job but also send the apprentices to activity weeks to work on their soft skills. The fact that they invest the money into us to do these events makes me feel like they are investing in my future within the company. Also on site I have received 2 recognition awards for my work done on and have continuous encouragement from my line manager and Senior manager.

The programme that I am on is the first one of its kind within the company. This has meant that there have been a few hiccups along the way that could have been improved on had the planning been better with regards to college qualifications and the level of apprenticeship that we would be completing. We have identified 2 main issues and they were fixed straight away with no major affect. Within site the programme ensures I cover all bases and work in different departments and job roles relating to mine to ensure I know how it works which is organised well. We also have mentors and are given the support needed regarding studying/exams.

We have quarterly meetings with our college adviser who if asked will set up any assisted help needed from the college. The lecturers were also happy to help if you requested any additional help. The college adviser is very on top of the whole process especially with the planning issues at the start as she has kept on top of it.

Coming on site you are appointed a line manager and also a mentor. The mentor is there to support you with any issues you may have with the apprenticeship that you don't feel like you could talk to your manager about. If you needed help on site you could ask and get it no bother. I haven't had any issues that I have felt I couldn't discuss with my line manager so feel like I have a good support.

The salary is very easily meeting the costs of my lifestyle. It allows me to travel, have my own car, socialise with my friends and treat myself. On top of that as our college was further away we were provided with travel expenses which more than covered the petrol for the journey so are in a very comfortable position. I haven't moved out of my parents yet because this would leave me tight financially but if I really wanted to on these wages I could.

In your first, second and last year you get taken down south to different events. These allow you to socialise with other apprentices from within your company but from different sites as well as work on your soft skills. There is also a sports and social club on my site which holds a disco for all personnel once a year which lets really builds the moral on site.

Yes

Through GSK I have been able to learn thing at college and then apply them in the real world and see all the different aspects of the company and process. They invest a lot in young people, not only money but time as well. No one on site would grudge helping you out and it is a really friendly environment to work in.

If you get the opportunity then go for it. For interviews and assessment days the main thing they look for is your personality and if you are hard working. If you show them you will put the effort in then they will appreciate that. Research the company before you apply, GSK have high values and if you show you know those values it will be recognised. If you want work experience on the site if you don't ask you don't get. A lot of the time if you email or phone in and ask they will help!