Laboratory Science Apprentice Review

I am an analytical scientist, and therefore day to day, I pick up samples from other teams and run assays for different analytics and feed back the data to the requester. Many of our assays are ran by automation. This allows time for experimental write ups whilst assays are running. I get to go to lots of meetings which help to understand what is going on in the wider department.

I have learnt many new skills in my first 6 months as an apprentice at GSK. I have developed my skills in the lab, like pipetting technique. I have learnt new skills with each analytic that I have learned. As well as scientific skills I have also been able to develop soft skills such as networking and effective scientific writing.

I really enjoy the programme. I sometimes find it difficult to find the motivation to university work when I enjoy my day job so much, and as expected, the university modules aren't always relevant to the work I do day to day. I find it best to pick a dedicated day for university work and shut myself off from normal work so I don't get distracted

I think the programme is very well structured. My manager is reminding me that uni is the most important thing, and there is always time for it, even when work is very busy. I am able to plan my weeks around uni work. Sometimes uni work can take longer than one day a week, but that's generally due to research time before completing assignments. The teachers mark university work quite quickly and generally their feedback is helpful, but sometimes I think it could be more detailed. If this is the case, I email them and they are helpful

I have a very supportive manager who believes that university work is the most important thing, and so I can always go to him if I need help or some extra study time. My development is also very important to my manager and to the rest of my team, and they are all very helpful and encourage me to learn lots of new techniques

I think that with the university, the support is only there is you ask for it. It is very easy for you to just read through the study guide and get on with it. If you do need help, you can send the teachers and email and they are usually helpful. If the problem cannot be solved by a teacher, the apprentice contacts at the university can always help

Some modules are more relevant than others, and that varies for everyone depending on which department you work in. In my case, I have found the university work useful in the sense that it helps me consolidate a basic understanding of a principle that is fundamental to some of the work that I do.

There is a team for apprentices that is similar to a Student's Union and they arrange socials and meetings to discuss university work. We are usually invited to the social events that are organised for Industrial Placement students, including the Christmas Ball and the Summer Boat Party. There are also social events and sports activities that anyone can go to.

Yes

I would recommend GSK apprenticeships to everyone. There are other apprenticeships other than science, there are many different career paths that can start at GSK. GSK really value their apprentices, and the development of apprentices is incredibly important to them. I would recommend apprenticeships in general over university, for many reasons, but mainly that you learn how to work, you become employable.

I think it's important to show that you're interested. Answer questions in as much detail as you need. Also I think employers are interested in seeing your personality, so be yourself, and try to show who you are in your application/interview. Be aware that you could end up in any department, but don't turn it down if it isn't your first choice because job rotation is encouraged