Manufacturing Apprentice Review

Every day for me is not the same. I am a fully signed off manufacture operator for a bespoke manufacturing process which produces a groundbreaking HIV product which is in clinical trials. This means that some days I will be working to manufacture this product, or work alongside engineers and the project team to further improve the process to reduce waste and simplify the process. I also work with various teams on new product introduction projects, introducing new equipment and processes, and providing support to routine production areas.

Teamwork, confidence, communication, presentation, team leading, training have all been thoroughly developed throughout my apprenticeship and various roles. I am confident and competent in the work I do in my role and have even been given opportunity to train existing operators on new equipment. I have also learnt key practical skills which allow me to play an effective part in problem solving and process improvements. Achieving my Level 4 in an Engineering discipline as part of the academic side of the apprenticeship, has also given me key skills and knowledge which I can apply to the work which I do on a daily basis, giving me an understanding as to how and why equipment works in the way it does, and how we can improve.

Thoroughly enjoy all the on the job opportunities which I have managed to make the most of. I have been able to get involved with key new product projects which are key to the site, not only being involved, but having active input which shapes the way we introduce the product and processes onto site. The extra curricula weeks away with the apprenticeship programme have been great fun too (week in the lakes and Wales team building with apprentices from around GSK UK). We have met apprentices at GSK from across the network across the UK & Ireland.

The on the job aspect I feel has been greatly organised. I have always known where my next rotation would be and have been given lots of amazing opportunities to get involved in high profile projects and teams. The support structure on site has also been made clear to me and I have received support on my development throughout my apprenticeship from various mentors on site. This, I feel, has played a key part in me making the most out of the apprenticeship.

As well as the apprentice lead on site, there are loads of people on site who are keen to assist apprentices develop themselves - even with college coursework and exams. I know who and where to go to whenever I need support. There are so many people on site who can give you guidance and help with the tasks which we perform everyday.

Throughout my academics, I have been allowed extra time out of work to spend completing coursework or revise for exams. On top of this, there are lots of individuals on site, who have completed degrees and who are willing to assist with our own coursework. Whenever we have felt the need to call up for extra time on studies, managers and team leaders have given their full support and offered assistance (either with their own expertise or pointing us in the direction of someone who knows about the subject).

I have completed a Level 4 engineering qualification. This greatly benefits me in understanding how processes work and function, especially when working on projects to introduce and develop complex equipment. This is great for when I am problem solving and/or developing and improving new and old processes, as I can use the knowledge I have gained in my academics to understand issues and effectively work in teams to solve them.

Every year throughout the apprenticeship, there are team building events across the country hosted by the GSK Apprenticeship Scheme. These are weeks in different locations where all of the apprentices in the GSK Apprentice Network across the UK & Ireland attend. It's a great way to meet apprentices across the network. The first year we had a week in the lakes where we learnt about communication and teamwork through physical activities such as rock climbing, raft building, expeditioning, etc. The second year we spent a week in Wales learning more about leadership and effective communication. As well as these events, there are opportunities for nights out and activities with other apprentices which we arrange between ourselves. There is a strong network among apprentices on site.

Yes

The opportunity and support at GSK during this apprenticeship is amazing. I have been given opportunities to not only be involved in big projects which impact new products and the site, but to influence and give active input into the projects, shaping the processes and improvements we put in place. I have always had the support from my managers regarding academics and on the job support, actively looking for further opportunities on site to develop myself; even looking at having some exposure to different roles to broaden my knowledge about the roles on site and how they link.

Be confident - throughout the application process, try not to be nervous. The assessors want you to do your best and are not out to trick you. Research the company and site you are applying for - it is key that you understand what the company and site does and it also looks good that you are showing a deeper interest by researching the company. BE YOURSELF