Manufacturing Apprentice Review

I am based in the SAU (Sterility Assurance Unit) department at GSK Barnard Castle. My role involves carrying out sterility validation testing on a wide range of thermo dynamic machinery and equipment. This includes calibrations, validations, maintenance and verifications on anything from 300 degree Celsius ovens to -70 degree Celsius freezers.

During my time on my apprenticeship I have been given the opportunity to develop my team building skills. This is from working with a small team on site and being involved with outward bound events in the lake district and resilience events in Stevenage. I have also managed to develop new leadership skills in my volunteering role as a school ambassador which is driven by the company

I really enjoy what I do, both on site and the extra volunteering activates that I am apart of which are linked to the company. I feel a sense of real job satisfaction and pride knowing that what I do at work genuinely improves someone's life and the lives of people around them

Overall I feel as though my programme is structured well however it could be improved in places. Sometimes there can be uncertainty regarding my college days or the times I am required off site for certain activities. For the most part though I am kept well informed as to what is needed of me and where I am required at certain times

I feel as though I am supported fully both by my direct line manager and from the apprentice lead on site. Any issues (no matter how minor) they are always on hand for me to speak to them about it and always offer sound advice and guidance when I need it

I feel as though I am fully supported by my training providers. I am visited every 3 to 4 weeks by a designated assessor who reviews my progress. My college tutor is very patient with my learning and is also very knowledgeable on the subject areas that he is teaching

I feel as though I gain useful theoretical knowledge in my college courses that I can apply to my current working role. For example I completed a unit revolving around heat transfer and fluid flow which was beneficial as my role involved steam sterilisation and heat penetration with in autoclave chambers and vessels

I am heavily involved with the local schools as a volunteer at careers fair and STEM events. This gives me the opportunity to promote GSK careers to young people and educate them on what GSK does. There is also a Glaxo Rangers football team which competes in a local league every week which I am apart of

Yes

I would recommend GSK because I believe it is one of the best companies in the world to work for. The opportunities given to apprentices is unmatched by any other company around. There is a real sense that apprentices are at the heart of the businesses future and that makes you feel valued as an employee

Be yourself! The company doesn't just look at intelligence or qualifications, they look at you as a person and what sort of values and moral you have. The company revolves around it's beliefs and if your beliefs match there's then you could have a great opportunity of a very bright future with in GSK