Chemical science laboratory apprentice Review

Design and synthesis of novel pharmaceutical molecules, day to day activities include preparation of, and carrying out, synthetic chemistry experiments, isolating and analysing products from the reaction and interpreting relevant data generated on the compounds before deciding on the appropriate next steps to take to further the programme's efforts

Yes. My workplace has helped me improve my emplaybility by helping me work on communication, teamwork, time management and organisation and chemistry knowledge. In the future I plan to work on m leadership capabilities with aims of taking on a leadership role as part of my career development. The university has helped me improve my writing and scientific communication and understanding skils

I find the programme very enjoyable. The work/study balance is achieved well, the workload is manageable from the university and workplace workflow is smooth, with my capability determining my throughput. The networking opportunities are great with GSK providing weeklong development experiences per year for apprentices. The university course, while interesting, has proven mostly irrelevant to my day job, but does contain some useful teachings which are more related to the chemical industry than would be encountered during a standard Chemistry BSc

Very. I am treated as a full member of staff and my colleagues are welcoming. They accept and understand that I have not received as extensive an education as them and instead of being disparaging they are humble and always willing to share their knowledge with me, in a non-condescending way. I am told when my work adds value to the programme which helps me assess how effective I am being as a member of the group. I am praised for the good work that I do and given ways to improve when my output slows or I make a mistake.

There were some organisational issues at the start of the programme but those have mostly cleared up. contacting the university can be challenging and feedback used to not be acted upon. Since a change in uni management feedback is heard and acted upon. Feedback to the Early Talent Team at GSK is acted upon when possible.

MMU provides a first class scientific education, with the only gripe I have being the limited relevancy of the course to my role. The course is diverse and covers a range of industrially relevant topics, however the scale and content of the topics often has little relevancy to my workplace

GSK provides masses of support for the development and training of the apprentices. Everything from employability to finance and pension schemes are covered. As well as access to experts in the relevant fields. People are always willing to make time to impart knowledge and issues can be raised with confidence that some action will be taken.

The salary is very competitive and has constant revision, it allows for living expenses to be covered whilst also allowing some savings to be made. The fact that all training is paid for helps ensure that we don't leave the programme with mountains of debt like a 'normal' university student would, placing us in a much more financially stable situation

I don't know since I have not looked at them, I have not needed to, work covers all of the options I need. GSK can help provide and find opportunities through emails and noticeboards posted around site. but I have very limited experience with this as I have not sought out extra opportunities as of yet.

Yes

Excellent training, professional yet friendly atomosphere. Great networking opportunities, the ability to develop a broad and/or deep learning in a variety of areas, great progression opportunities, well funded development programmes, a funded qualification, no debt and a competitive salary, a variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities and employee benefits all make GSK an attractive option.

ensure your values align with those of the company and be willing and able to put in extra work. Demonstrate a passion for good science, good practices and a wish to improve the lives of patients whilst acting with integrity in all that you do. Accept that you are not perfect but GSK can help with any areas of development you may have.