Laboratory Science apprentice Review

I'm currently working with the In Vivo Science and Delivery team who work in pharmacokinetics - looking at if drugs are metabolised in the body and delivered to the target organs. My typical day consists of pre-study briefings with study directors and helping colleagues run studies smoothly by being a part of documenting results data, taking tissues and samples.

I have learnt a lot of new terminology and how to use specific equipment for the job. Other skills I've learnt include sampling and procedure techniques. As well as improving my team work and organisational skills I have grown in confidence and feel better prepare to face problems in a composed and methodical manner, when I come into contact with them.

I enjoy coming to work every day as I know each day has something new in store. My team were welcoming and supportive when I first started and it feels like I have settled in well and am part of the IVSD family. I'm finding the studying side of the apprenticeship interesting too as I am always learning new things and expanding my knowledge which I can then transfer into the workplace.

The programme is well designed to have four days on the job with one day for studying the degree. The University of Kent got us started on our courses relatively quickly and provide a large amount of support throughout the year, tracking our progress and answering any queries we may have. We can access our degree online via Moodle on the University website. Each module is split into 9 weeks with a topic for each week. For each topic there is theory and usually a formative or summative assignment to build our portfolios up, along with multiple choice questions as exam prep. The course is manageable in the time given, with three exam sittings throughout the year, making it up to you and when you feel comfortable to take the module exam.

As well as monthly progress meetings with my manager, to check how I'm getting on, I was also given the opportunity to be in contact with a range of other people for support. I currently have a 'Buddy' is an older apprentice who I can go to talk to about my apprenticeship/exams or just a general catch up. Mentors were also given as an option to provide the apprentices with a point of contact for impartial advise/ another point of view on any problems or questions that may be concerning you.

The university of Kent provide specific lecturers for each module as a point of contact for feedback on assessments or any questions on course work. Monthly meetings are scheduled in with the Kent rep to monitor our progress and make sure we aren't getting behind on any work or struggling on a module.

Although I enjoy most of the topics I learn through my degree, the modules can often not correlate to my specific work place for example cell biology is not useful in an In Vivo environment. However, I do believe all the modules combined can help build a bigger picture and gain a wider knowledge and understanding for other departments in GSK.

There is football club and matches a few lunchtimes and classes at the gym. As for social events there is a specific apprentice group which organises socials for the apprentices including winter socials, pub crawls and film nights. Often the industrial placement and apprentices do a lot of social events together too. GSK hold a lot of charity quiz nights and cake sales which are also recommended to get involved in.

Yes

GSK are a great company to work for as it not only looks good on the CV but provides the needed skills and techniques for a science career. It also has many benefits to its employees such as shares, reward schemes and pensions etc. The people that work for GSK are welcoming and always understanding and friendly to any new comers looking lost around the site!

Before an interviews, learn what GSK focuses on, the drugs they've produce or any new break-throughs they've recently discovered, so you can be prepared for any question and show you have done your research on the company in order to impress your interviewer. Be confident, passionate and most importantly yourself in your interviews.