Business and Supply Chain apprentice Review

I am working as a Project lifecycle Project Manager working on the Launches of GSKs latest respiratory inhaler the Ellipta device. My Job involves me communicating with different markets across the world so that as a company we can ensure that we can launch Ellipta in there country and also ensure that we are going to be able to meet the Ellipta demand in which they need to help there patients in the future. Once we have communicated with the markets we then share this information across the site to ensure that as a manufacturing site we have the resources and are going to be able to meet demand. After this is agreed I then make sure that I communicate with the correct people to ensure that the devices are scheduled into be made at the correct time, packed at the right time and then shipped in time to ensure that we meet the Market launch date. As well as this I ensure that all of the tasks in the notification are completed, this contains things such as data set up, artwork, regulatory approval and technical terms of supply. Before any product can be made and leave site I need to make sure that the correct data set up has been done and all the relevant quality and compliance documents have been completed.

I have developed and learnt many skills throughout my time as an apprentice. My teamwork and communication skills have been massively improved and I have realised how key these skills are. My attention to detail was an area in which I identified early on in my job that I needed to work on, this is a new thing that I have learnt since starting and have been working hard to develop this. I have been studying for my Foundation Degree in international trade as well as working towards my Level 5 NVQ. GSK have helped to develop me as a person and have really helped to help my identify areas of both strength and weakness and then supporting me to help me improve these.

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship programme at GSK so far and I am glad that I made the decision to join the programme. The team I work with have been great at making me feel a part of the team and supporting me throughout the hard transition from School to Work. The GSK culture creates a very friendly and open environment to work in which makes work life much better.

The more time I have spent in the company the more I have felt valued, my manager has been great at making sure I have been involved and have a purpose. I have been appreciated for the work that I have done from both the site and the market which has lead to reward which is a great way of feeling like the work your doing is adding value.

I received a great induction into GSK when I joined, it was hard at first due to the fact that there is so much to learn and take on about the company and all the different aspects of it, as well as complying with all the different standard operating procedures. The programme has been very well laid out and it is clear that I have 3 different rotations with in Logistics to complete throughout my time at GSK. I have been greatly supported by a great manager and a really good mentor who I have developed strong relationships with and have helped/pushed me to develop and grow as a person. More opportunities have come up as I have learnt and spent more time in the company.

My college tutor is great at helping me out with the work in which I need to do, he is a good point of contact and is always very approachable and helpful when you do have questions. The institute export have been good at setting up calls and delivering the uni work, and when I have had to contact them have been quick and helpful.

I receive a great level of support from GSK, my manager and mentor have been very good at supporting me along the way. Both manager and mentor have a great attitude to genuinely helping and supporting me as much as they can, I feel as if I can have open and honest conversations with them and could talk to them on any situation in which I might need to

My salary does meet my basic costs, but I think this is due to the fact that I am living at home. It provides me with the daily costs in which I need, but can sometimes be stretched by my social costs and also due to the fact that the location I live in.

There quite a few opportunities outside of work to meet other apprentices and is also a social club over the road from work which does provide lots of sports clubs as well.

Yes

GSK is a great company to work for and as an apprentice they really do make you feel like a 'valued employee', they provide you with great opportunities to help you grow and develop as a person. As well as really looking into your future career and helping to try and achieve your career aspirations.

My best tip would to be yourself! Through out your application process be honest with what you have done and what you feel like you can really bring to the company. Don't make yourself to be something your not, and talk about things you are genuinely passionate about and link into real life situations.